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Grade 12d-block and f-block elements


Coordination Chemistry of d-Block Elements


Coordination chemistry is an important topic when it comes to the chemistry of d-block elements. It explores how transition metals form complexes with ligands, which are molecules or ions that can donate a pair of electrons to the metal. The field of coordination chemistry is central to many processes in nature and technology, including catalysis, materials science, and bioorganic chemistry.

Introduction to d-block elements

The d-block elements, also called transition metals, are found in the middle part of the periodic table, spanning from groups 3 to 12. These elements are characterized by having a partially filled d-subshell in their atomic or ionic forms. Their notable properties include the ability to form different oxidation states, exhibit a wide range of colors in their compounds, and form complex ions with ligands.

Ligands: Coordination partners

Ligands are atoms, ions, or molecules that can donate at least one pair of electrons to the central metal atom or ion in a coordination complex. They can be classified based on their denticity, which indicates the number of donor sites they have. Generally, ligands are classified as:

  • Monodentate ligands: These ligands have only one donor site. Examples include NH3 (ammonia), H2O (water), and Cl- (chloride ion).
  • Bidentate ligands: These ligands have two donor sites. Examples include ethylenediamine (en) and oxalate ion (C2O42-).
  • Polydentate ligands: These ligands have more than two donor sites. An example is EDTA4- (ethylenediaminetetraacetate), which can bind to a metal at six coordination sites.

Complex and coordination numbers

Coordination compounds contain a central metal atom or ion bound to a group of ligands. The coordination number of a metal in a compound refers to the total number of coordination bonds formed between the central metal and the ligands. Some common coordination numbers include:

  • Coordination number 4: Complexes often have tetrahedral or square planar geometry. An example of a square planar complex is [PtCl4]2-
  • Coordination number 6: The most common geometry for coordination number six is octahedral. An example of this is [Co(NH3)6]3+

Other coordination numbers may also occur, but they are less common in transition metal complexes.

Electronic configuration and bonding in coordination compounds

The d-block elements have unique electronic configurations due to the involvement of d-orbitals, which significantly affect their chemical behaviour and bonding characteristics. The electronic configuration of these elements can generally be expressed as:

 [noble gas] (n-1)dx nsy

Where x represents the number of electrons in the d-orbital and y represents the number of electrons in the s-orbital. Coordination compounds are formed when the metal ion accepts electron pairs from the ligand into its d-orbital.

Crystal field theory (CFT)

Crystal field theory (CFT) is a model that describes the electronic structure of transition metal complexes. It focuses on the effect of electrostatic interactions between electrons from the metal ion and the ligand. The presence of the ligand affects the energy levels of the d-orbitals, splitting them into different energy states.

In an octahedral compound, the five d-orbitals are split into two sets: t2g orbitals (low energy) and eg orbitals (high energy). This splitting can be represented as:

 E | --- eg | --- t2g |

The extent of the splitting depends on several factors, including the nature of the metal ion and the type of ligand involved. Strong field ligands, such as CN- and CO, cause large splitting of the d-orbitals, whereas weak field ligands, such as H2O, cause small splitting.

Colour of transition metal complexes

The color of transition metal complexes is due to d-d electronic transitions, which occur when electrons are promoted from lower energy d-orbitals to higher energy d-orbitals within split d-levels. The energy difference between these orbitals is analogous to the energy of visible light, which is absorbed when the transition occurs.

For example, the complex [Ti(H2O)6]3+ appears purple because it absorbs yellow light, which is opposite to violet on the color wheel. The specific color observed depends on the metal, its oxidation state, the ligands present, and the crystal field splitting.

Examples of coordination complexes

1. [Fe(CN)6]4- complex

This complex is known as the hexacyanoferrate(II) ion. It is a coordination complex consisting of a central iron (Fe2+) ion surrounded by six cyanide ligands. Cyanide ions, being strong field ligands, cause significant crystal field splitting, resulting in a low spin configuration for the d-orbitals.

2. [Cu(NH3)4]2+ complex

In the tetraamminecopper(II) complex, copper is surrounded by four ammonia ligands. It exhibits a distorted square planar geometry due to the Jahn-Teller effect, which is common in such d9 complexes.

3. [Co(en)3]3+ complex

Tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) complex contains three ethylenediamine ligands, which are bidentate in nature. They surround the cobalt ion in octahedral geometry. This complex is chiral and can exist as two enantiomers.

Biological importance of coordination compounds

Coordination compounds play important roles in biological systems. Here are some important examples:

  • Hemoglobin: The oxygen-transporting protein in red blood cells is a coordination compound containing a central metal iron. It binds oxygen molecules, which are then transported to tissues throughout the body.
  • Vitamin B12: An essential nutrient for humans that contains a cobalt-centered coordination complex. It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA.
  • Chlorophyll: The green pigment found in plants that is important for photosynthesis. It has magnesium at its core and helps plants capture the energy of sunlight.

Applications of coordination compounds

In addition to their biological importance, coordination compounds have a wide range of applications in industry and technology:

  • Catalysts: Many catalytic processes in the chemical industry are mediated by coordination complexes. For example, Zeise's salt is a complex of platinum that plays an important role in catalyzing hydrogenation reactions.
  • Chemotherapy: Cisplatin is a coordination compound of platinum that is widely used in the treatment of cancer due to its ability to interfere with DNA replication in cancer cells.
  • Analytical chemistry: Coordination compounds such as EDTA are commonly used as complexing agents in titration procedures to determine the concentration of metal ions in solution.

Conclusion

Coordination chemistry of d-block elements is a remarkable field that sheds light on the complexities of metal-ligand interactions and their diverse implications in the natural world as well as human technology. Understanding the fundamentals of coordination complexes, such as ligand type, coordination number and electronic structure, provides valuable insights into their functioning and applications.


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