Coordination compound nomenclature rules

1. Sequences of ligands and central atoms within names:

The following general rules are used when naming coordination compounds:

(i) Ligand names are listed before the name(s) of the central atom(s),
(ii) No spaces are left between parts of the name that refer to the same coordination entity,
(iii) Ligand names are listed in alphabetical order (multiplicative prefixes indicating the
number of ligands are not considered in determining that order),
(iv) The use of abbreviations in names is discouraged.

2. Charge numbers, oxidation numbers and ionic proportions:

The following methods can be used to assist in describing the composition of a compound:

(i) The oxidation number of the central atom in a coordination entity may be indicated by
a Roman numeral appended in parentheses to the central atom name (including the
ending ‘ate’, if applicable), but only if the oxidation state can be defined without
ambiguity. When necessary a negative sign is placed before the number. Arabic zero
indicates the oxidation number zero.
(ii) Alternatively, the charge on a coordination entity may be indicated. The net charge is
written in Arabic numbers, with the number preceding the charge sign, and enclosed in
parentheses. It follows the name of the central atom (including the ending ‘ate’, if
applicable) without the intervention of a space.
(iii) The proportions of ionic entities in a coordination compound may be given by using
multiplicative prefixes.
Bibliography:

1. Connelly, N. (2005). Nomenclature of inorganic chemistry. Cambridge: Royal Society of

Chemistry, pp.142-150.
NOMBRES Y APELLIDOS :Nicol Lopez Huillca

Use of enclosing marks[1]

The formula for the entire coordination entity, whether charged or not, is enclosed in square
brackets. When ligands are polyatomic, their formulae are enclosed in parentheses. Ligand
abbreviations are also usually enclosed in parentheses. Square brackets are used only to enclose
coordination entities, and parentheses and braces are nested alternately.
Ejemplo
 [Fe(CNMe)6]Br2
hexakis(methyl isocyanide)iron(II) bromide
 [CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2
pentaamminechloridocobalt(2+) chloride

Use of abbreviations[1]
Abbreviations can be used to represent complicated organic ligands in formulae (although they
should not normally be used in names). When used in formulae they are usually enclosed in
parentheses.
In cases where coordination occurs through one of several possible donor atoms of a ligand, an
indication of that donor atom may be desirable. This may be achieved in names through use of the
kappa convention in which the Greek lower case kappa (k) is used to indicate the donor atom. To
some extent, this device may also be used in formulae. For example, if the glycinate anion (gly)
coordinates only through the nitrogen atom, the abbreviation of the ligand would be shown as gly-
kN, as in the complex [M(gly-kN)3X3]
Ejemplo:

 [Co(en)3 ]Cl3
tris(ethane-1,2-diamine)cobalt(III) trichloride

Bibliografía:

[1] Neil G. Connelly ,Ture Damhus,Richard M. Hartshorn, A. T. H. (2005). NOMENCLATURE OF

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY IUPAC. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry pag163-
165