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1 vote
Arrange these complexes from most stable to least stable based on:

a) Ligand strength
b) Coordination number
c) Central atom charge
d) Bond dissociation energy

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Coordination complexes' stability can be assessed by their coordination number, ligand strength as per the spectrochemical series, the central atom's charge, and bond dissociation energy. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

To arrange coordination complexes from most stable to least stable based on ligand strength, coordination number, central atom charge, and bond dissociation energy, certain strategies must be applied. Firstly, the coordination number, which is determined by the number of ligands, helps us predict the geometry of the complex. Secondly, ligands can be classified on the spectrochemical series as either strong field or weak field, thereby affecting the stability of the complex according to the magnitude of the crystal field splitting they induce. Strong field ligands lead to low spin complexes, and weak field ligands lead to high spin complexes.

Further stability of the complex is influenced by the charge on the central atom; generally, a higher charge can lead to stronger bonding interactions with the ligands and therefore increased stability. The bond dissociation energy is also pivotal, as stronger bonds within the coordination complex will result in higher stability.

Finally, consider the donor atom size and the nature of the ligand, as smaller donor atoms with high charge density typically form stronger bonds with the metal center. For example, in halide complexes, the bond strength decreases from F- to I-, and ligands like NH3, which have localized lone pairs, form particularly strong bonds with the central metal atom.

User Daniel Thompson
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