How can I predict the shape of complex ions from their formulae?

Complexes are formed through ligand binding (donation of a pair of electrons to the central metal atom), and the shape of the complexes is usually determined by steric factors - or how the ligands can arrange themselves to be as far away from each other as possible. For this reason:

-2 coordinate complexes are linear e.g. [Ag(NH3)2]+
-4 coordinate complexes TEND TO BE tetrahedral, e.g. [CuCl4]2- however some group 8 metals, such as Platinum, prefer to form square planar complexes due to favourable energetics - e.g. cisplatin - Pt(NH3)2Cl2
-6 coordinate complexes are octahedral e.g. [Fe(OH2)6]2+

3 and 5 coordinate complexes are very rare since usuaully there is enough room to form 4 and 6 coordinated complexes.
Complexes with more than 6 ligands are also very rare because there isn't usually enough space to fit 7 ligands around a complex without very unfavourable steric repulsion between ligands.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how fractional distillation works.


Describe the effects of changing the temperature on a reaction using Le Chatelier's princriple


What is the difference in kinetics between a 0th, 1st and 2nd order reaction?


A sample of strontium has a relative atomic mass of 87.7 and consists of three isotopes, 86Sr, 87Sr and 88Sr. In this sample, the ratio of abundances of the isotopes 86Sr: 87Sr is 1:1. Calculate the percentage abundance of the 88Sr isotope in this sample


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy