Transition Metal Complexes and Catalysis

Flashcards about d-block metal complexes, color formation, catalysts and industrial applications.

Complex Ion

A d-block metal cation surrounded by ligands.

Ligand

A molecule or ion that donates a lone pair of electrons to a metal ion.

Coordination Bond

A bond formed between a ligand and a metal ion through electron donation.

Lewis Base

Electron pair donor (ligands are Lewis bases).

Coordination Number

The number of ligands directly bonded to a metal ion (2, 4, or 6).

Monodentate Ligand

A ligand that donates only one pair of electrons.

Polydentate Ligand

A ligand that donates two or more pairs of electrons.

Chelating Agent

A polydentate ligand that forms stable complexes with metal ions.

Ligand Replacement

A reaction in which one ligand in a complex ion is replaced by another.

Color in Transition-Element Complex Ions

d-d transitions in transition metal complexes cause color.

Colorimetry

Measures the absorbance of light at a specific wavelength to determine concentration.

Heterogeneous catalyst

Catalysts that are in a different phase from the reactants (usually solid catalyst with gaseous reactants).

Homogeneous catalyst

Catalysts that are in the same phase as the reactants (e.g., all in solution).