Co-ordination Compounds 4 Procedure. Continuous variation method generally utilises optical density as an additive property. Its various steps are : : @ Make up a series of mixtures containing a total of 10 ml of metal ion and ligand in different proportions, e.g., 0-10, 1-9, -1, 10-0. It means that the sum of total analytical concentration C of complexing agent Cx and metal ion Cy is held, —————————— constant and only that ratios are varied : Cx+Cy=C (1), (ii) Then, determine the optical densities of solutions prepared as in step (7) by means of a spectrophotometer at such a wavelength of light that complex absorbs light strongly whercas the metal ion and ligand do not. (iif) Draw a graph between mole fraction of ligand ABSORBANCE ——> Gx (x 24) and optical density. A curve of the type — x Fig. 1.11 Job's method. shown in fig. 1.11 is obtained, Extrapolate the legs of the curve until they cross. At the point of intersection, the mole fraction gives the formula of a complex MX, i. Gu Q) C Equation (1) may be written as : er C. But ax _.G) or 1 or aor “Xe (4) C x x C. On dividing equation (3) by (4), we get Gr “Tox 1 =7-x le n= ee from @| From the value of 7, the formula of a complex MX, can be determined. Limitations of the method. (i) The method of continuous variation applies provided that not more than one complex is formed under the given experimental conditions. (ii) This method is only applicable when there is no volume change on mixing the solutions of the metal ions and ligand. EE) Detection OF COMPLEX FORMATION IN SOLUTION When a metal ion becomes a part of complex, it achieves now properties which may be strikingly different from those of the original metal ion. In general, any property of a system which is related to the concentration of one of the species involved in the formation of the complex may be used to show the formation of a complex. Some other techniques (which have been used) involve such changes which include those in colour, stability towards oxidation, or reduction, magnitude of ‘onic charge (frequently a change in sign) and solubilities and crystalline form of the salt. By careful consideration, one may find one or more suitable methods for the detection of all types of complex formation in the solution. 1. Ability to pass unaltered from one substance to another. Complex ions do not get altered when the ions forming the ionisation sphere gets changed by some other ion, For example,