4.1 Transition Metal Complexes

Transition metalsGet their name from the fact that they sit in the d-block in between the highly reactive s-block and less reactive p-block. refers to all of the d-block and f-block metals in the periodic table. An interesting characteristic of such metals is that they like to be surrounded by other molecules to form clusters which are called complexesAre combinations of a metal center and ligands. They are denoted by the use of square brackets [ ]. The central metal atom is always named first. This is sometimes followed by the ligands. Outside the square brackets any counterions or the charge of the complex is listed.. This lesson will help you understand how transition metals are complexed and what effect this has on their electronic structure.

Transition Metal Complexes

Transition metal complexes, also known as coordination complexes, are compounds that contain atoms and/or molecules arranged around a central positive metal ion.

In the diagram above, you can see how different transition metal complexes have been made from different metal centres surrounded by different groups, including combinations of different groups. This allows for the fine-tuning of the properties of transition metal complexes, making them very useful for catalysis and other industrial applications.