Multiple choice

Which of the following conditions is not correct for the formation of a stable complex?

  1. The central metal cation should have small size.

  2. The central metal cation should have high nuclear charge.

  3. Combining ligands should have high value of the ionization enthalpy.

  4. Central metal atom or ion must have sufficient number of unfilled d-orbitals.
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C Correct answer
Explanation

For stable complex formation, ligands should have LOW ionization enthalpy (they need to easily donate electron pairs to form coordinate bonds). High ionization enthalpy would make it difficult for ligands to act as Lewis bases and donate electrons to the central metal ion.

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