Stability of complexes

Question 1

What factors affect stability of a complex?

Answer 1

1) Statistical factors
2) Charge / radius ratio
3) Steric effects
4) Electronic factors
5) The Irving-Williams series
6) Bonding and covalency

Question 2

What are the properties of a hard acid?

Answer 2

• High positive charge
• low polarisability
• Small size
  e.g. H+ and Al3+

Question 3

What are the properties of a hard base?

Answer 3

• High electronegativity
• Difficult to oxidise
• Low Polarisability
  e.g. F-

Question 4

What are the properties of a soft acid?

Answer 4

• low positive charge
• high polarisability
• larger size
  e.g. Rh+

Question 5

What are the properties of a soft base?

Answer 5

• low electronegativity
• easily oxidised
• high Polarisability
• High negative charge
  e.g. H-