coordination compound: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “coordination compound” mean?
A chemical compound where a central metal atom or ion is bonded to surrounding molecules or anions (ligands).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound where a central metal atom or ion is bonded to surrounding molecules or anions (ligands).
In chemistry, it describes a molecular structure formed by coordinate covalent bonds, where the ligands donate electron pairs to the central metal. It is a foundational concept in inorganic chemistry and organometallic chemistry, crucial for understanding catalysis, colour theory (in complexes), and biochemical processes (e.g., haemoglobin).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may vary (e.g., 'colour/color theory').
Connotations
Identical. Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally common in UK and US academic and research contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coordination compound” in a Sentence
[metal] coordinates with [ligands][ligands] coordinate to the [metal]formation of a coordination compound between [metal] and [ligands]The coordination compound consists of [central atom] and [surrounding groups].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coordination compound” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The copper ion will coordinate with four ammonia molecules.
- The ligand is designed to coordinate to the metal centre.
American English
- The copper ion will coordinate with four ammonia molecules.
- The ligand is designed to coordinate to the metal center.
adverb
British English
- The ligand is coordinated strongly to the iron atom.
- The molecules are arranged coordinationally around the centre.
American English
- The ligand is coordinated strongly to the iron atom.
- The molecules are arranged coordinationally around the center.
adjective
British English
- The coordination chemistry of platinum is well-studied.
- They analysed the compound's coordination geometry.
American English
- The coordination chemistry of platinum is well-studied.
- They analyzed the compound's coordination geometry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in highly specific contexts like patents for catalysts or pharmaceutical development reports.
Academic
Core term in university-level chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. The concept is far too specialised for general conversation.
Technical
Ubiquitous in chemistry labs, chemical engineering, research literature on catalysis, spectroscopy, and medicinal inorganic chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coordination compound”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coordination compound”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coordination compound”
- Pronouncing 'coordination' with stress on the first syllable (should be on the third: -dɪ-ˈneɪ-).
- Using it to refer to general organisational or managerial 'coordination'.
- Confusing it with a simple mixture or an ionic compound without a defined central atom.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An ionic compound like NaCl involves simple electrostatic attraction between discrete Na+ and Cl- ions. A coordination compound has a central metal atom/ion that is directly bonded (via coordinate covalent bonds) to specific surrounding molecules or anions (ligands), forming a distinct molecular or complex ion entity.
No, colour depends on the specific metal and ligands, which affect the energy gap for d-electron transitions. Some coordination compounds (like those with Zn2+ or Sc3+ with no d-electrons involved in transitions) are colourless.
Yes, but only outside scientific contexts. In everyday language, 'coordination' refers to organising activities. In chemistry, it refers specifically to the formation of coordinate covalent bonds to a central atom. The context makes the meaning clear.
Haemoglobin is a classic example. The iron(II) ion in its heme group is a central metal coordinated to a porphyrin ring ligand and a histidine residue from the protein, with the sixth site binding oxygen.
A chemical compound where a central metal atom or ion is bonded to surrounding molecules or anions (ligands).
Coordination compound is usually technical / academic in register.
Coordination compound: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən ˈkɒmpaʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˌɔrdɪˈneɪʃən ˈkɑmpaʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king (central metal ion) in a throne room, surrounded by loyal attendants (ligands) who each offer him a pair of gifts (electron pairs). The entire arrangement is the coordinated royal court – the coordination compound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HUB AND SPOKES system, where the central metal is the hub and the coordinate bonds are the spokes connecting it to the ligand wheels.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary bonding feature of a coordination compound?