Synthesizing and Investigating Cobalt Complexes: UV-Vis and Structure-Property Relationships

Pre-Lab Activity

Lewis acid/base bonding and Complex ions

Crystal Field Theory helps to explain the diverse colors associated with transition metal complex ions. In a metal complex ion, ligands bond to a metal center. Ligands can be ions or neutral atoms/molecules that act as Lewis bases to the metal.

1. Using your knowledge from previous courses, describe what is meant by a Lewis base. Give one example and explain why it is a Lewis base.

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