why do we care about coordination

[505166714]

we have talked a lot about coordination, but why do we care? what is the significance of coordinates?

[Schuyler_Howell_4D]

They are a way to examine compounds with transition metals. They have biological significance, think about the chemotherapy example Prof. Lavelle used in class.

[David S]

Coordinate covalent bonding is a key underlying concept in acid and base chemistry, as acids and bases interact via coordinate covalent bonds (think Lewis definition). Understanding the mechanisms of acids and bases allows us to better understand the way acids and bases behave in biological systems, which is important because acids and bases play a big role in biology (pH balance, protein functionality, digestion, buffers, etc).

As for coordination compounds, we care about them because the variable oxidation of the central transition metal make them good catalysts and electron transferring entities in biological systems. Understanding the structure of such compounds helps us understand in better detail the mechanisms of their importanr interactions in biological systems.