Linkage Isomers
What is Linkage Isomers?
Linkage isomers are coordination compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the atom through which an ambidentate ligand is bonded to the central metal. A classic example is the nitrito isomers of cobalt complexes: [Co(NH₃)₅(ONO)]²⁺ (bonded through oxygen) and [Co(NH₃)₅(NO₂)]²⁺ (bonded through nitrogen). The two isomers have different colors, stabilities, and chemical reactivity.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Linkage isomers are coordination compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the atom through which an ambidentate ligand is bonded to the central metal. A classic example is the nitrito isomers of cobalt complexes: [Co(NH₃)₅(ONO)]²⁺ (bonded through oxygen) and [Co(NH₃)₅(NO₂)]²⁺ (bonded through nitrogen). The two isomers have different colors, stabilities, and chemical reactivity.