Coordination compounds are named following additive nomenclature. The cation is named first, followed by ligands in alphabetical order, regardless of their charge.
How are coordination compounds named, and what is the sequence for naming cations and ligands?
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Coordination compounds are named following additive nomenclature principles. The sequence for naming involves:
1. The cation is named first in both positively and negatively charged coordination entities.
2. Ligands are named in alphabetical order before the central atom/ion’s name.
3. Anionic ligands end in “-o,” while neutral and cationic ligands have the same name except for specific cases like H₂O (aqua), NH₃ (ammine), CO (carbonyl), and NO (nitrosyl).
4. The oxidation state of the metal in cation, anion, or neutral coordination entities is indicated by a Roman numeral in parentheses.
5. Latin names are used for some metals in complex anions, such as ferrate for Fe.