FAQs on Werner’s Theory - Co-ordination Chemistry

Question 1

1. What is Werner's theory in coordination chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Werner's theory is a theory in coordination chemistry proposed by Alfred Werner in 1893. It explains the structure and bonding in coordination compounds, which are complexes formed by a central metal ion surrounded by ligands. According to Werner's theory, coordination compounds can form both primary and secondary valence bonds, and the geometry around the metal ion is determined by the coordination number and the nature of the ligands.

Question 2

2. What are primary and secondary valence bonds in Werner's theory?

Accepted Answer

Ans. In Werner's theory, primary valence bonds are the ionic bonds formed between the central metal ion and the ligands in a coordination compound. These bonds are relatively strong and determine the coordination number of the metal ion. Secondary valence bonds, also known as coordinate bonds, are formed between the metal ion and the ligands through the donation of electron pairs from the ligands to the metal ion. These bonds are relatively weaker and determine the geometry around the metal ion.

Question 3

3. How does Werner's theory explain the isomerism observed in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Werner's theory explains the isomerism observed in coordination compounds through its concept of coordination number and ligand types. The coordination number, which represents the number of primary valence bonds formed by the central metal ion, determines the possible isomers. For example, a coordination compound with a coordination number of 6 can exhibit two types of isomerism: geometric isomerism, where different ligands occupy different positions around the central metal ion, and optical isomerism, where the compound has non-superimposable mirror images due to the presence of chiral ligands.

Question 4

4. What is the significance of Werner's theory in the field of coordination chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Werner's theory has significant importance in the field of coordination chemistry as it was the first comprehensive theory to explain the structure and bonding in coordination compounds. It laid the foundation for further advancements in the field and provided a systematic approach to understand the properties and behavior of coordination compounds. Werner's theory also contributed to the development of coordination chemistry as a distinct branch of chemistry and opened up avenues for the synthesis and study of various complex compounds with diverse applications in catalysis, medicine, materials science, and more.

Question 5

5. Can you provide an example to illustrate Werner's theory in coordination chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Yes, an example that illustrates Werner's theory is the complex compound hexaamminecobalt(III) chloride, [Co(NH3)6]Cl3. According to Werner's theory, the coordination number of cobalt in this compound is 6, and the ammonia ligands (NH3) form primary valence bonds with the metal ion. The chloride ions (Cl-) also form secondary valence bonds through the donation of electron pairs to the cobalt ion. This compound exhibits both geometric and optical isomerism, and its structure and properties can be explained based on Werner's theory.

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