Unit 2: Complex Ion Formation

Lewis Acid-Base Chemistry

1. Focuses on the behavior of electrons

Lewis Acids: acceptors of electrons (transition metals)

Lewis Bases: givers of electrons

Transition metals/Lewis Acids: bond to one or more H2O molecules to form a hydrated ion

• H2O is the Lewis Base, donating electron pairs to form coordinate covalent bonds

Complex Ions: ions form by combining a cation with several anions or neutral molecules (ie. AgH2O2)

Ligand: attached ions or molecules (ie. H2O)

• If a ligand is added to a solution that forms a stronger and than the current ligand, it will replace the current ligand

• generally H2O is not included

Formation Constant, Kf and Kinst

Complex Ion Formation: the reaction between an ion and ligand to form a complex ion, Kf

Instability formation: inverse reaction of Kf, called Kinst

• mathematically the inverse of Kf