Numerical prefixes like mono, di, tri indicate the number of ligands. Terms like bis, tris, tetrakis are used when ligand names include numerical prefixes, placed in parentheses. For example, [NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂] is named dichloridobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II).
How is the number of individual ligands indicated in a coordination entity’s name, and provide an example?
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The number of individual ligands in a coordination entity’s name is indicated by using numerical prefixes such as mono-, di-, tri-, etc. These prefixes specify the quantity of each ligand. For example, [NiCl₂(H₂O)₄] is named dichloridotetraaquonickel(II), where “dichlorido” signifies two chloride ligands, “tetraaquo” denotes four water ligands, and “(II)” indicates the oxidation state of nickel. The numerical prefixes help convey the stoichiometry of ligands in the coordination sphere, providing a concise description of the complex composition.