Question

Explain the following term with respect to a coordination compound:

Coordination number

Explain the following term in relation to a coordination compound:

Coordination number

Answer 1

1. Coordination number is the number of ligand donor atoms directly bonded to the central metal atom or ion in a coordination compound.
2. Metals have coordination numbers ranging from 2 to 10, with the most frequent being 4 and 6. The composition, oxidation state, and surrounding ligands determine the coordination number of metal ions.
3. For example, In [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, the coordination number of Fe is 6.