In complex formation, the central metal atom or ion acts as a ______.

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Multiple Choice

In complex formation, the central metal atom or ion acts as a ______.

In complex formation, the interaction is a Lewis acid–base one: ligands donate electron pairs to the central metal, which accepts that electron density into its empty orbitals. The central metal atom or ion thus behaves as a Lewis acid, since it acts as an electron pair acceptor to form coordinate covalent bonds with the ligands. This stands in contrast to Arrhenius base (which relates to OH− production) or Bronsted-Lowry acid (which donates protons)—neither describes the electron-pair bonding central to coordination chemistry.

In complex formation, the interaction is a Lewis acid–base one: ligands donate electron pairs to the central metal, which accepts that electron density into its empty orbitals. The central metal atom or ion thus behaves as a Lewis acid, since it acts as an electron pair acceptor to form coordinate covalent bonds with the ligands. This stands in contrast to Arrhenius base (which relates to OH− production) or Bronsted-Lowry acid (which donates protons)—neither describes the electron-pair bonding central to coordination chemistry.

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