Complex ion and complex

compound Some of the important terms

1. Central metal ion:
The central transition metal ions having vacant d-orbitals in which neutral
molecules or anions are attached is called central metal ion or center of
coordination. Example: Cu++, Ag+, Fe++ etc.
2. Ligands:
Any atom, ion, or neutral molecule capable of donating lone pair of electrons
to a central ion is called a ligand. For Example CO, NH3, H2O, NO, F -, Cl -,
Br -, CN -, SCN –etc.

3. Co-ordination number:
The total number of ligands attached to a central metal ion is called the
coordination number. For example: in [Ag(NH3)2]+coordination number is 2. 4.
Co-ordination sphere:
The central metal atom and ligands directly attached to it are called as
coordination sphere. It is written within the square bracket. The coordination
sphere behaves as a single entity.
5. Complex ion:
A complex ion is an electrically charged species formed by the combination
of a central metal cation and ligand species.
The main reasons for the tendency of transition metals to form complexes
are: i. They have vacant d-orbital which are of appropriate energy to accept
lone pair electron from ligands
ii. The cations of transition metals are relatively small in size and have a
 high effective nuclear charge. Due to these reasons, they have high
positive charge density and are capable of accepting lone pair
electrons.
Cationic complex ion: [Cu(NH3)4]++, [Ag(CN)2]+etc.
Anionic complex ion: [Fe(CN)6]4-, [Fe(CN)6]3-
6. Complex compound
A compound containing complex ions is called complex compounds. This
compound is also called a co-ordination compound and is defined as
molecular compounds which retain their identities even when dissolve in
water or any other solvent.
Examples: [Cu(NH3)4]SO4, K4[Fe(CN)6], etc.