In this topic we explore equilibria involving ligand exchange reactions.
After working through this topic you will be able to:
- understand what is meant by a complex ion and be able to write equations to represent the equilibria involved in ligand replacement reactions;
- write expressions for stability constants and understand how stability constants are affected by the chelate effect;
- reflect on what students find difficult about ligand exchange reactions and devise ways of helping them develop their understanding of these changes; and
- help students appreciate why ligand exchange reactions are important.