Understanding NH3 & NH4+ Complex Ion Formations

[Jan Hill]

Homework Statement

Why does NH3 readily form complex ions with the transition elements but NH4+ does not?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Is it because the transition elements are much more receptive to reacting with a base than with an acid because in fact the transition elements would much prefer to give up an H+ rather than accept one.

 

[chemisttree]

Draw the lewis structures for both of these (easy!) and you will see why. It is a little more complex than just acid/base.

Hint: Transition metals usually have empty orbitals of fairly low energy.