Question

Who gave the first important theory of coordination compounds?

• A. Slater
• B. Pauling
• C. Werner
• D. Lewis

Hint:

Werner is known as the father of coordination chemistry and won the 1913 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Historical background.
The first important theory of coordination compounds was given by Alfred Werner in 1893. He proposed the idea of primary valency (ionisable) and secondary valency (non-ionisable) to explain coordination complexes.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) Slater: Known for Slater’s rules in atomic structure, not coordination compounds.
(B) Pauling: Contributed valence bond theory, but not the first to explain complexes.
(C) Werner: Correct — He introduced the first scientific theory of coordination compounds.
(D) Lewis: Proposed Lewis acid-base concept, unrelated here.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Werner.