Question

What are coordination compounds? Explain with suitable examples.

Answer 1

Coordination compounds are compounds formed by the combination of a central metal atom or ion with surrounding ligands (ions or molecules that donate electron pairs to the metal). These ligands are bound to the metal through coordinate (dative) bonds, where both electrons come from the ligand. The resulting complex species has distinct chemical and physical properties different from its individual components. Example of coordination:

1. K₄[Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ (Potassium hexacyanidoferrate (II))
2. [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ (Tetraaminecopper (II) ion)