What do you mean by inert ligand ? How does the rate of hydrolysis depend upon the \(\pi\) -acceptor and the \(\pi\) -donor inert ligand?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Inert ligands are those which do not easily undergo ligand substitution. The rate of hydrolysis directly depends on the strength of the metal-ligand bond. Ligands which are \(\pi\) -donors form relatively weaker bonds and thus complexes with these ligands undergo hydrolysis at a relatively faster rate. While, \(\pi\) -acceptor ligands form stronger metal-ligand bonds and hence complexes with \(\pi\) -acceptor ligands show slower rates of hydrolysis.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Inert Ligands

Inert ligands are those that do not easily undergo ligand substitution. This means they remain attached to the central metal atom or ion in a coordination complex for a longer duration compared to labile ligands.
02

Explaining the concepts of \(\pi\) -donors and \(\pi\) -acceptors

\(\pi\)-donor ligands have lone pairs of electrons that can form \(\pi\) -bonds with the central metal atom or ion. This bonding strengthens the metal-ligand bond. Conversely, \(\pi\) -acceptor ligands can accept \(\pi\) -electron density from the metal atom or ion into the anti-bonding molecular orbitals of the ligand, which also strengthens the metal-ligand bond.
03

Relation between Hydrolysis rate and \(\pi\) -donor and \(\pi\) -acceptor inert ligands

The rate of hydrolysis depends on the strength of the metal-ligand bond. \(\pi\)-acceptor ligands form stronger metal-ligand bonds and hence complexes with \(\pi\) -acceptor ligands exhibit slower rates of hydrolysis. Conversely, \(\pi\) -donor ligands form relatively weaker bonds and so complexes with these ligands undergo hydrolysis at a relatively faster rate.

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