Question

Explain the following term with respect to a coordination compound:

Coordination sphere

Explain the following term in relation to a coordination compound: 

Coordination sphere

Answer 1

The coordination sphere in a coordination compound includes the central metal atom or ion and the ligands that are directly connected to it, all shown within square brackets [ ]. It behaves as a single unit during chemical reactions.

For example, In [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃, [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺is the coordination sphere.