Coordination chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of coordination compounds, which consist of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions known as ligands. These ligands can be simple ions, like chloride or nitrate, or complex molecules, such as ammonia or ethylenediamine. The arrangement and type of ligands influence the properties and reactivity of the coordination complex.
The central metal in coordination chemistry is often a transition metal, such as copper or iron, which can form various coordination numbers and geometries. This versatility allows coordination compounds to play essential roles in biological systems, like hemoglobin, and in industrial applications, such as catalysts in chemical reactions. Understanding these compounds helps chem