In Ni(CO)4, the oxidation state of Ni is zero, whereas in [NiCl4 ]2−, the oxidation state of Ni is +2.
The presence of the CO ligand, which is a strong ligand, can pair all electrons in Ni(CO)4 and thus it is diamagnetic but Cl− is a weak ligand and is unable to pair up the unpaired electrons and thus [NiCl4]2− is paramagnetic.
A coordination compound holds a central metal atom or ion surrounded by various oppositely charged ions or neutral molecules. These molecules or ions are re-bonded to the metal atom or ion by a coordinate bond.
A coordination entity composes of a central metal atom or ion bonded to a fixed number of ions or molecules.
A molecule, ion, or group which is bonded to the metal atom or ion in a complex or coordination compound by a coordinate bond is commonly called a ligand. It may be either neutral, positively, or negatively charged.