What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Valency?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The primary and secondary valencies are concepts related to coordination compounds, as proposed by Werner's theory. Here are the differences between primary and secondary valencies:

  • Primary Valency:
  • It is the number of negative ions (anions) that are equivalent to the charge on the metal ion.
  • The primary valency is the same as the oxidation number of the central metal atom.
  • It helps in finding the oxidation state and charge of the central metal ion.
  • Secondary Valency:
  • It is the number of ligands (ions or molecules) that are coordinated to the metal ion.
  • The secondary valency is the same as the coordination number of the central atom.
  • It helps in finding the coordination number of the central atom.

For example, consider the coordination compound CoCl3·6NH3. In this compound, the primary valency of chloride ions satisfies 3 charges, while NH3 molecules satisfy the 6 coordination number (secondary valency) of the cobalt atom.

Comparative Table: Primary vs Secondary Valency

The difference between primary and secondary valency lies in coordination chemistry. Here is a table comparing the two:

Primary Valency Secondary Valency
Indicates the oxidation state of the central metal atom Indicates the coordination number of the central metal atom
Determines the charge of the central metal ion Refers to the number of ligands attached to the central metal atom
Positive or zero value in most cases Ligands that satisfy the primary valencies are also called secondary valencies
Helps in finding the oxidation state and charge of the central metal ion Helps in finding the coordination number of the central metal ion

In summary, primary valency is related to the oxidation state and charge of the central metal ion, while secondary valency is related to the coordination number of the central metal ion and the number of ligands attached to it.