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Coordination isomerism

Coordination isomerism is a form of structural isomerism in which the composition of the coordination complex ion varies. In a coordination isomer the total ratio of ligand to metal remains the same, but the ligands attached to a specific metal ion change. Examples of a complete series of coordination isomers require at least two metal ions and sometimes more.

For example, a solution containing ([Co(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3+</sup> and [Cr(CN)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3−</sup>) is a coordination isomer with a solution containing [Cr(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3+</sup> and [Co(CN)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3−</sup>.

See also

  • Coordination complex#Isomerism – This type of isomerism arises from the interchange of ligands between cationic and anionic entities of different metal ions present in a complex.

References

  • Zumdahl, Steven. Chemistry. Fifth Edition, 2000.
  • Miessler, Tarr. Inorganic Chemistry. Fourth Edition, 2011.