Formula from Naming

[Cecilia Cisneros 1F]

When we are asked to give the formula of a coordination compound is there a specific order that the ligands are placed in the compound? I know that they must be written alphabetically in the compound name, but does it matter in which order we write the ligands in the formula?

[Ria Nawathe 1C]

The textbook has a set of rules in Focus 9C.1 (Toolbox 9C.1) for writing the formulas and naming the compounds! For writing the formula, the textbook says to write the chemical symbol of the central metal atom first and then write the symbols of the ligands in alphabetical order. For different ligands with the same element, the ligands represented by a single letter go before ligands with 2 or more letters (ex. O would go before OH in the formula).

Hope this helps!

[Sahiti Annadata 3D]

I believe the ligands should also go in alphabetical order.

[Nicoli Peiris 1B]

I believe the formula is written in alphabetical order as well!