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Coordination Chemistry

Tamil Nadu Board · Class 12 · Chemistry

Complete topic list for Coordination Chemistry in Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

45 questions34 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry

Topics in Coordination Chemistry

1

1. Coordination Compounds vs Double Salts

  • Double salts dissociate completely into simple ions in solution (e.g., Mohr's salt: FeSO₄·(NH₄)₂SO₄·6H₂O)
  • Coordination compounds do NOT dissociate into simple ions in solution - the complex ion retains its identity
  • Example: K₃[Fe(SCN)₆] gives ferric-thiocyanate complex, NOT simple Fe³⁺ and SCN⁻
2

2. Werner's Theory of Coordination Compounds

  • Proposed in 1893 before electron discovery - based purely on reaction chemistry
  • Primary valence = oxidation state of central metal (always satisfied by negative ions)
  • Secondary valence = coordination number (satisfied by ligands, can be negative, neutral, or positive ions)
3

3. Important Terms in Coordination Chemistry

  • Coordination entity: Central atom + array of ligands (enclosed in square brackets)
  • Central atom/ion: Occupies center, accepts electron pairs (Lewis acid), forms coordinate covalent bonds
  • Ligands: Atoms/groups bonded to central metal; donor atom is the atom directly bonded to metal
4

4. IUPAC Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds

  • Cation named first, then anion (regardless of complexity)
  • Within complex ion: ligands named in alphabetical order, then central metal
  • Anionic ligand names end in 'o' (e.g., cyano, chlorido, fluoro)

Key Concepts

Double salts like Mohr's salt (FeSO₄·(NH₄)₂SO₄·6H₂O)Werner proposed that elements have twoThe coordination sphere is the complexNaming follows specific rulesStructural isomers have the same molecular

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Coordination Chemistry for Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry?
Key topics in Coordination Chemistry include Step-by-step process for naming coordination compounds using IUPAC rules, Classification of structural isomerism types in coordination compounds, Decision tree for identifying types of geometrical isomerism in coordination complexes. These are the concepts Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Coordination Chemistry — Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 45 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.

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All 15 chapters — Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

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