Transition metals are responsible for the colours of most gemstones

 

Transition metal index

Intro

Geometries of complexes

Ligands

Crystal field theory

Colour

 

Ligands

What is the difference between molecules and complexes?

Transition metal complexes are in fact molecules. There is no difference. Molecules are usually called complexes in the context of transition metal chemistry.

A transition metal complex consists of a metal atom (usually one only, but more metal atoms are possible) and one or more ligands attached to it. The ligands can be various molecules, like water, CO, CO2, ethanol, methanol, acetone, etc...

The type of ligand chosen will affect the geometry and the reactivity of the complex as a whole.

Here some complexes with different types of ligands are shown (with the respective bond angles and bond lengths):

 

Silver (II) acetonitrile complex-6 ligands - Octahedral


Silver(II) pyridine complex - 6 ligands - Octahedral


Silver(II) acetone complex - 4 ligands


Cooper (I) ammonia - 4 ligands - Tetrahedral


Copper (II) water - 6 ligands - Octahedral (distorted)

© Ricardo Esplugas. All images in this site can be bought in an enlarged version. Please contact me on ricardochemistry@gmail.com