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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Complexes?

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The primary difference between homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes lies in the nature of the ligands attached to the metal center.

  • Homoleptic complexes contain identical ligands attached to a metal center. These complexes are found in inorganic chemistry when discussing transition metal complexes. For example, [Co(NH3)6]3+ is a homoleptic complex, as only one type of ligand, NH3, surrounds the Co3+ ion.
  • Heteroleptic complexes have at least one different ligand attached to the complex's metal center. These complexes also occur in inorganic chemistry, specifically in coordination chemistry. An example of a heteroleptic complex is [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+, where two types of ligands, NH3 and Cl, are attached to the Co3+ ion.

In summary, the main difference between homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes is that homoleptic complexes have identical ligands attached to a metal center, while heteroleptic complexes have at least one different ligand attached to the metal center.

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  • What is the Difference Between Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Complexes?
  • Comparative Table: Homoleptic vs Heteroleptic Complexes

    • Comparative Table: Homoleptic vs Heteroleptic Complexes

    The main difference between homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes lies in the nature of the ligands attached to the metal center. Here is a table comparing the two types of complexes:

    Feature Homoleptic Complexes Heteroleptic Complexes
    Definition Chemical compounds containing identical ligands attached to a metal center. Chemical compounds containing at least one different ligand attached to a metal center.
    Ligands All the same ligands. Different types of ligands.
    Examples Dialkyl magnesium complex, trimethylaluminum in an ether such as THF, triaryl or trialkyl borane. Tetraaminedichloro cobalt (III), ${{\left[ \text{Co}{{\left( \text{N}{{\text{H}}{3}} \right)}{\text{4}}}\text{C}{{\text{l}}_{2}}.

    In summary, homoleptic complexes have identical ligands attached to a metal center, whereas heteroleptic complexes have different types of ligands attached to a metal center.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.