Question

Explain Homoleptic and Heteroleptic complexes with example.

Hint:

Prefix "Homo-" means same, and "Hetero-" means different. This applies to the nature of the ligands surrounding the metal.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coordination complexes are classified based on the variety of ligands attached to the central metal atom or ion.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Homoleptic Complexes:
These are complexes in which the metal is bound to only one kind of donor groups or ligands.
Example: \( [Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+} \). Here, all six ligands are ammonia ($NH_3$).
Another example: \( [Fe(CN)_6]^{4-} \).

2. Heteroleptic Complexes:
These are complexes in which the metal is bound to more than one kind of donor groups or ligands.
Example: \( [Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+ \). Here, there are two types of ligands: four ammonia molecules and two chloride ions.
Another example: \( [Pt(NH_3)_2Cl_2] \).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Homoleptic complexes have identical ligands (e.g., \( [Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+} \)), whereas heteroleptic complexes have different types of ligands (e.g., \( [Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+ \)).