An Introduction to the Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds

The nomenclature of coordination compounds is introduced in two sections. Here we consider the basics of naming ligands (including multidentate, ambidentate, and bridging) that occur in simple neutral as well as ionic coordination compounds. In Chapter 3, we will concentrate on the nomenclature for compounds for which a variety of isomers are possible. 

There are two ways to handle ambidentate ligands. One is to use a slightly different form of the name, depending on the atom that is donating the electron pair to the metal. The second is to put the symbol of the donating atom before the name of the ligand. So -SCN might be called thiocyanato or 5-thiocyanato, whereas -NCS would be iso thiocyanato or A/-thiocyanato. —NO2 and -ONO, however, are most always referred to as nitro and nitrito, respectively. 

There are special names for four neutral ligands  

Bridging ligands are indicated by placing a p before the name of the ligand. 

If the anion is complex, add the sulfix -ate to the name of the metal. (Sometimes the -iuin or other Suffix of the normal name is removed before adding the -ate suffix. Some metals, such as copper, iron, gold, and silver, use the Latin stem for the metal and become cuprate, ferrate, aurate, and 

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