Question

How do I find hybridization and structure of a coordination complex? I have no idea where to start. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

@chmvijay @emcrazy14

Answer 2

Read this:
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/inorganic/complexions/whatis.html#top

Answer 3

Hmm.. Actually I am preparing for an objective exam and I wouldnt be able to get enough time to write the electronic configurations, draw diag and get to the answer. Is there a quicker method? I mean a shortcut?

Answer 4

@alias

Answer 5

I have not learned this yet :P. I'm barely a freshman, and I imagine that you would learn this is an inorganic class so... sorry but I can't help you :(

Answer 6

Np..Thanks for trying!

Answer 7

@Silent_Sorrow

Answer 8

Electron counting and molecular orbital energy diagrams would be the way to go. The only short option would be to memorize which structures the transition metals you're looking at prefer and hope you don't get asked anything different

Answer 9

Well coordination complexes usually show you the metal center and the ligand around it.
So you can just draw the Lewis structure according to the formula. Then use the number of bonded atoms to predict the hybridization of the metal center.

For example, the structure shows 6 bonded atoms, then the hybridization is expected to be sp3d2.

Answer 10

You can refer to the tabulated hybridization for each number of bonded atoms.
So I thinks that's the shortcut.

Answer 11

Looks good. But then there is dsp2 and sp3 hybridisation. How will I know which one is being used?

Answer 12

Hmm, from what I know dsp2 is for planar geometry and sp3 is for tetrahedral.
The planar is for square planar geometry.

Answer 13

So instead of just looking for the number of bonded atoms, for 4 bonded atoms you must also check for the shape.

Answer 14

What if we are asked the shape and and hybridization together for a given coordination compound?

Answer 15

Then you need to predict the shape first before the hybridization.

Answer 16

Usually dsp2 happens for central atoms that have d orbitals as the outermost subshell.

Answer 17

That's a good thing to remember. So you are good at chemistry too? :)

Answer 18

Ha ha yes. my majors are Math and Chem. :-]

Answer 19

Cool that means I can ask you chemistry questions too? :D

Answer 20

Yup lol for sure :P

Answer 21

Thanks ^_^

Answer 22

I see that u have exams comin up ?
Good luck with that!
I've got mine in 4 weeks time >.<

Answer 23

Mine is on 22nd and then I am done with it. I feel like getting over with it yet I also feel I need more time to work. Complicated.

Answer 24

O.O 22nd is like next door!!!

Answer 25

ikr :/ Pray for me!

Answer 26

I won't

Answer 27

lol jk :P
will do

Answer 28

lol haha ..okay :) Thanks again!

Answer 29

np

Answer 30

i wish you all the best on you ur exams... and always aim for the highest and you will get the highest! xD

Answer 31

Great advice! I am supposed to attempt 150 questions in 180 minutes. There will be like 5 subjects I have to do in this time :|

Answer 32

:O 150 QUESTIONSSSSS?

Answer 33

Yep and subjects are PCM, English and logical reasoning.

Answer 34

that is way too many questions in such a limited period of time... WOT!

Answer 35

ikr that is why I am looking for shortcuts in Chemistry.

Answer 36

oh btw I love English as well... so will also be able to assist you on that.

Answer 37

You will find heaps and heaps of shortcuts in Math of course - but in Chem its really hard to literally find shortcuts...

Answer 38

there is a lot of theory and memorization that you need to do in science itself in order to excel at it.

Answer 39

What grade is this for btw?

Answer 40

It's like an entry exam to a professional college something like the SAT. If I don't do well in this exam I will have to opt for a mediocre college.

Answer 41

by SAT you mean SAC?

Answer 42

https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

Answer 43

its called a SAC and not a SAT where I live... I've never heard of that term before.

Answer 44

its used in the UK

Answer 45

I see. Okay back to doing questions! I will tag you if I need your help :)

Answer 46

k