Some general reactions of transition metal complexes

3 Some general reactions of transition metal complexes 

Pt and Au, however, often show little or no tendency to be converted into 18-electron products. In these cases the 16-electron configuration may often be viewed as being essentially saturated . Sixteen electron complexes are common for (Co), Rh and Ir and for Ni, Pd and Pt. Even lower electron configurations (16,14 and 12) are normal for Ag and Au, for which 18-electron complexes are rare. 

A few adducts between metal complexes and Lewis acids such as boron trifluoride (p. 179) have been isolated. 

Type of reaction General equation Change in no. of electrons in valence shell Change in coordination number 

Electron rich complexes are strong nucleophiles. This is illustrated by some reactions with methyl iodide, which may be compared with attack by a tertiary 

---