Basic Terminology and Nomenclature
The vocabulary needed to describe and name coordination compounds.
Key Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Coordination Entity | A central metal atom/ion bonded to surrounding ligands |
| Ligand | An ion or molecule bonded to the central metal atom |
| Coordination Number | The number of ligand donor atoms bonded to the central atom |
IUPAC Nomenclature
Coordination compounds are named using a systematic set of IUPAC rules describing the ligands, central metal, and its oxidation state.
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