Ionisation Isomerism
Ionisation isomerism is a type of structural isomerism that occurs in coordination compounds. It involves two or more coordination complexes which have the same chemical formula but differ in the nature of the ions that dissociate in solution.
Key Concepts:
- Counter Ion Exchange: The primary feature of ionisation isomerism is the ability of certain ligands within a coordination complex to be exchanged with other ions when the compound is dissolved in a solvent.
- Examples: An example could be [Co(NH3)5(SO4)]Br and [Co(NH3)5Br]SO4. While both complexes contain cobalt, the ions released when they dissolve differ, hence exhibiting different properties despite having the same molecular formula.
Significance
Understanding ionisation isomerism is crucial for predicting the behavior of coordination compounds in various chemical reactions, particularly in biological and industrial processes.