Coordination numbers

[Kayley Steele 3D]

How do you find the coordination number for the metal species in a metal complex? For example M(CO)4Cl2]?

[Kaleigh Olla 1L]

The coordination number is the amount of things attached to the metal. In your example, there would be a coordination number of 6 (4 CO + 2 Cl attached to M)

[Anubhav_Chandla1G]

In general, in order to find the coordination number of a compound, you need to count all the ligands that surround the central atom.

[Lauren Wasef 3C]

Coordination number = number of bonds. Inside the coordination sphere, there are ligands, which are directly attached to the central ion. So, to find coordination number, just count the amount of ligands attached to the central atom. Do not count anything outside the brackets. In your example, 4 CO and 2 Cl are attached to M. So, the coordination number is 6.