Bonding in Coordination Compounds: Crystal Field Theory

Crystal field theory states that d or f orbital degeneracy can be broken by the electric field produced by ligands, stabilizing the complex.

Octahedral complexes have six ligands symmetrically arranged around a central atom, defining the vertices of an octahedron.

Both tetrahedral and square planar complexes have a central atom with four substituents.

Transition metal complexes are often colored due to either d-d or change band electron transitions induced by the absorption of light.

Metal complexes that have unpaired electrons are magnetic.