Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

"Coordination Chemistry is a core topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It is the primary field of study of particularly metals (as their ions), which are dominant in the Periodic Table, and their interaction with other inorganic and organic molecules or atoms to which they can bind strongly, forming what are termed coordination compounds, or complexes. Coordination compounds pervade life -- many enzymes are in effect coordination compounds, with the metal ion directing their chemistry, and metals in the environment are governed in their chemistry by the molecules they interact with, be it in solution or the solid or gaseous state. Consequently, understanding how the central metal or non-metal element binds to other molecules (which are then termed ligands) is the key to unlocking a vast area of chemistry. The properties and behaviour of metal-ligand complex assemblies are responsible for their role or application in a wide range of natural, industrial, and environmental situations"--