Jprgensens Chain Theory

Jprgensen s chain theory links ammonia molecules in metal compounds similar to the linking of carbon units in hydrocarbons. The five-carbon pentane (C5H10) molecule is shown in I as an example (Fig. 2.1). 

CoC13 4NH3 Green Praseo complex [Co(NH3)4C12]C1 

TABLE 2.2 Chain Theory Structure Predictions for a Series of Cobalt Ammine Complexes Based on the Number of Reactive Cl- 

Formula Chain Theory Structure Number of reactive Cl 

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Blomstrand-Jprgensen chain theory, 6 Borate, tetraphenyl-in gravimetry, 534 Bridge groups, 22 Briggs, Samuel Henry Clifford, 14 Bromates... 

The most convincing evidence for Werner s theory came in 1907, when his student, Czech chemist, J. V. Dubsky, successfully synthesized the elusive violeo (cis) isomer of CoCl3 (NH3)4, predicted to exist by coordination theory but not by chain theory. As Werner had predicted, this complex underwent rapid solvolysis in aqueous solution, making isolation difficult. After Dubsky proved the existence of c -CoCl3 (NH3)4, Jprgensen conceded to coordination theory. Jprgensen died in 1908, having never met Werner face to face. 

J0rgensen s chain theory for some cobalt(III) complexes (top), compared with the Werner representations (bottom). Werner s representation for [CoC13(NH3)3] fits the nonelectrolyte behaviour seen experimentally, unlike the Jprgensen model. 

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