Skip to main content
Chapter 5 of 10
Revision Notes

Coordination Compounds

ICSE · Class 12 · Chemistry

Quick revision notes for Coordination Compounds — ICSE Class 12 Chemistry. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

105 questions40 flashcards5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Coordination Compounds? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for revision notes and more.

1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today

A diagram illustrating a coordination compound, clearly distinguishing and labeling the central metal ion, ligands, coordination sphere, primary valency (ionizable counter ions), and secondary valency
Super Tutor

Learn better with visuals Super Tutor has hundreds of illustrations like this across every chapter — all free to try.

Get started

Key Topics to Revise

1

1. Basic Concepts and Definitions

  • A coordination compound contains a central metal atom or ion permanently attached to ligands.
  • Ligands are atoms, ions, or molecules that donate at least one lone pair of electrons to the metal.
  • Coordination compounds retain their identity in aqueous solution, unlike double salts.
2

2. Ligands and Their Classification

  • Ligands may be neutral, anionic, or rarely cationic.
  • Neutral ligands include H2O, NH3, CO, NO, pyridine, and ethylenediamine.
  • Anionic ligands include F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, CN-, OH-, CH3COO-, NO2-, SCN-, and others.
3

3. Werner's Theory and Modern View of Coordination Compounds

  • Alfred Werner prepared cobalt-ammine chloride complexes in 1892.
  • Werner proposed that metals show two kinds of valency: primary and secondary.
  • Primary valency is ionisable and corresponds to oxidation state.
4

4. Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds

  • In cationic complexes, the complex cation is named first and then the anion.
  • In anionic complexes, the cation is named first and then the complex anion.
  • Neutral complexes are written as single words.

Get complete notes with diagrams and examples

Full Notes

Key Concepts

These are compounds in whichDouble salts exist in the solidLigands are atomsA polydentate ligand that attaches throughWerner proposed that metals show primary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Coordination Compounds for ICSE Class 12 Chemistry?
Key topics in Coordination Compounds include Comprehensive Overview of Coordination Compounds, Mind map showing relationship between key terms in coordination chemistry, Flowchart comparing dissolution behavior of double salts and coordination compounds. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Coordination Compounds — ICSE Class 12 Chemistry?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 105 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

For serious students

Get the full Coordination Compounds chapter — for free.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for ICSE Class 12 Chemistry.