Query on IUPAC nomenclature of coordination complexes

In summary, the naming of compounds 2 and 3 in the picture is done using the κ-system of specifying donor atoms. The first donor atom listed is the one attached to the central metal ion, followed by the atoms connected to it. For compound 2, the full name is (κ3-N,O,C,S)-iron(III) complex and for compound 3, it is (κ4-N,O,C,S,Cl)-iron(III) complex.
  • #1
Wrichik Basu
Science Advisor
Insights Author
Gold Member
2,116
2,691
I could finally get a copy of the Red Book 2005 from a library. In the chapter dedicated to nomenclature of coordinate complexes, while explaining the κ-system of specifying donor atoms, the following two examples were given (among many others):

Screenshot_20180714-024915.png


Can anyone explain how the naming is done for the two compounds (labelled 2 and 3 in the picture)? The problem that I am facing is with the closed rings. From where is the naming started?
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20180714-024915.png
    Screenshot_20180714-024915.png
    10.9 KB · Views: 1,085
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
For compound 2:This compound is named using the κ-system of specifying donor atoms. According to this system, the first donor atom listed is the atom that is attached to the central metal ion. In this case, the first donor atom is nitrogen, which is attached to the central iron(III) ion. The second donor atom is oxygen, which is connected to the nitrogen atom. The third donor atom is carbon, which is connected to the oxygen atom. The fourth donor atom is the sulfur atom, which is connected to the carbon atom. This completes the donor atom list, so the full name of this compound is (κ3-N,O,C,S)-iron(III) complex. For compound 3:This compound is also named using the κ-system of specifying donor atoms. The first donor atom listed is the atom that is attached to the central metal ion. In this case, the first donor atom is nitrogen, which is attached to the central iron(III) ion. The second donor atom is oxygen, which is connected to the nitrogen atom. The third donor atom is carbon, which is connected to the oxygen atom. The fourth donor atom is sulfur, which is connected to the carbon atom. The fifth donor atom is the chlorine atom, which is connected to the sulfur atom. This completes the donor atom list, so the full name of this compound is (κ4-N,O,C,S,Cl)-iron(III) complex.
 

1. What is IUPAC nomenclature and why is it important for coordination complexes?

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature is a set of rules used to name chemical compounds in a consistent and systematic manner. It is important for coordination complexes because these compounds can have complex structures and multiple components, making a standardized naming system crucial for clear communication among scientists.

2. How are coordination complexes named according to IUPAC guidelines?

Coordination complexes are named by listing the ligands (atoms or molecules attached to the central metal ion) in alphabetical order, followed by the name of the central metal ion and its oxidation state in Roman numerals. If there are multiple ligands of the same type, the number of ligands is indicated using prefixes such as "di-" or "tri-".

3. Can you provide an example of a coordination complex name using IUPAC nomenclature?

One example is [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+, which is named "tetraamminechloridocobalt(III) ion". The ligands (ammonia and chloride) are listed alphabetically, followed by the name of the central metal ion (cobalt) and its oxidation state (III).

4. Are there any exceptions or special cases in IUPAC nomenclature for coordination complexes?

Yes, there are some exceptions and special cases in IUPAC nomenclature for coordination complexes. For example, when naming complexes with polydentate ligands (ligands that can form multiple bonds with the central metal ion), the ligands are named first, followed by the prefix "bis-", "tris-", etc. to indicate the number of bonds. Additionally, some common ligands have specific naming conventions, such as "ethylenediamine" for the ligand NH2CH2CH2NH2.

5. How can I ensure that I am using IUPAC nomenclature correctly for coordination complexes?

The best way to ensure that you are using IUPAC nomenclature correctly for coordination complexes is to consult the latest version of the IUPAC Gold Book, which provides comprehensive guidelines and examples for naming various types of compounds. Additionally, double-checking your naming against established and peer-reviewed sources can help to ensure accuracy.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Chemistry
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
4
Views
9K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top