Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2381 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Coordination Compounds as Lewis Acid-Base Adducts
Captions available
The idea
A coordination compound forms when a central metal ion, acting as a Lewis acid, accepts electron pairs donated by ligands acting as Lewis bases.
In practice
In [Co(NH3)6]3+, six ammonia molecules each donate a nitrogen lone pair to the central cobalt ion.
Where people slip
These are real bonds, not a loose association — "coordinate covalent" describes where the electrons originated, not bond strength.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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