In coordination chemistry, complexes are classified based on the type of ligands attached to the central metal atom. A Heteroleptic Complex contains two or more different types of ligands.
Heteroleptic complexes often show geometrical (cis-trans) isomerism because the different ligands can be arranged in different spatial orientations. Homoleptic complexes rarely show this type of isomerism.
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Homoleptic Complex | All ligands are the same type | [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ (all ligands are NH₃) |
| Heteroleptic Complex | Two or more different types of ligands | [Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺ (NH₃ and Cl⁻ are different) |
In the heteroleptic example [Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺, cobalt is surrounded by four ammonia (NH₃) ligands AND two chloride (Cl⁻) ligands — two different types, making it heteroleptic.
Cisplatin is perhaps the world's most famous heteroleptic complex — it is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs.
Simply count the types of ligands. If all ligands are the same — homoleptic. If there are 2 or more different ligand types — heteroleptic.
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