Inorganic complexes
An inorganic complex consists of a central metal atom surrounded by a number of negatively charged ions or neutral molecules called ligands. The ligands have lone pairs of electrons and form dative covalent bonds with the metal atom or ion. You can find more details about dative bonds by subscribing to the Structure and bonding course.
Copper(II) can form a range of complexes, of which the most common is the hexaaquacopper(II) ion, [Cu(H2O)6]2+.
Notice that square brackets are used to enclose all of the components of the complex and keep it all tidy.
What is the ligand in this complex?
The ligand is the neutral water molecule.
Another copper(II) complex is [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+. What are the ligands in this complex?
The ligands are the neutral molecules water and ammonia.
A third copper(II) complex is [CuCl4]2–. What is the ligand here?
The ligand is the negatively charged chloride ion.
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