Macroligands, macromolecular complexes

In classic coordination chemistry the parameter n is known as the formation function, showing the number of functional groups directly bound with metal ions, whereas in the coordination chemistry of macromolecular complexes this parameter corresponds to the average number of functional groups which are excluded from the total number of ligands for binding of one metal ion. Moreover, for complexation of MX with cross-linked polymers the total concentration of macroligands is constant and does not depend on the dilution of the suspension in a solvent. 

Macromolecular metal complexes can be classified into three main categories, taking into consideration the manner of binding of a metal compound to suitable macroligands [33] (Fig. 1). Type 1 metal complexes are those with the metal ion or metal chelate at a macromolecular chain, network, or surface. One possible approach to synthesize such polymers is using the polymerization of vinyl-substituted metal complexes. 

This is caused by the cooperative effect arising from the change in the macromolecular form during complex formation. The cooperative interactions in the system macroligand-MX in solution also produce a change in the charge of the chain. 

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