Question

Explain Sidgwick’s electronic theory with suitable example

Answer 1

The Sidgwick’s electronic theory explains the formation of coordination compounds. According to this theory, coordinate bonds are formed when the ligands donate the electron pairs to the central metal ion.

a. Four ammonia molecules donate four electron pairs to Cu²⁺ ion to form the complex cuprammonium ion, [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺.

b. Six CN^- ligands donate six electron pairs to Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ion to form the complex ion ferrocyanide, [Fe(CN)₆]^4- and ferricyanide, [Fe(CN)6