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Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Noff on November 07, 2010, 08:27:51 PM

Title: Are these ligands σ-donors or π-acceptors?
Post by: Noff on November 07, 2010, 08:27:51 PM
I'd like to know if these following ligands behave as σ-donors or π-acceptors in metal complexes?

· NO3-
· Cl-
· NH3
· ethylenediamine

I know that H2O is a σ-donor.
Title: Re: Are these ligands σ-donors or π-acceptors?
Post by: darko on November 09, 2010, 09:14:13 AM
Cl- is pi donor
NH3 is sigma donor
en is sigma donor

do you know why, would you like to know?
Title: Re: Are these ligands σ-donors or π-acceptors?
Post by: Noff on November 09, 2010, 01:21:55 PM
Yes, I'd definitely like to know why (something to de with MO theory, I presume).
Title: Re: Are these ligands σ-donors or π-acceptors?
Post by: darko on November 10, 2010, 09:08:23 AM
you should think about which of the donor or acceptor atoms have free orbitals (s,p,d) to make sigma or pi bonds, you can start with electronic configurations
Title: Re: Are these ligands σ-donors or π-acceptors?
Post by: rackye on November 10, 2010, 01:22:34 PM
Quote from: Noff on November 09, 2010, 01:21:55 PM
Yes, I'd definitely like to know why (something to de with MO theory, I presume).

tha'ts right MO can solve your problem you have to pay attention into LUMO and HOMO