◼ In metallurgical separation: Extraction of several
metals from their ores involves complex forma- (a) Gravimetric estimation of Ni2+ is carried out
tion. For example, sliver and gold are extracted
from their ore as cyanide complex.
4Au + 8KCN + 2H2O + O2 → 4K[Au(CN)2 ] + 4KOH
Pot.dicyanoaurate (i)
4K[Au(CN)2] + Zn → 4K2[Zn(CN)4 ] + 2Au 
Pot.tetracyanozinacate (ii)
Purification of some metals can be achieved
through complex formation. For example in Mood
process, impure nickel is converted to [Ni (CO)4],
which is decomposed to yield pure nickel.
◼ In Analytical Chemistry: Complex formation is fre-
quently encountered in qualitative and quantita-
tive chemical analysis.
(i) Qualitative Analysis:
• Detection of Cu2+ is based on the formation of
a blue tetraammine copper (II) ion.
Cu2+ + 4NH 3 ⎯⎯→[Cu(NH 3 )4 ]2+
Deep blue
• Ni2+ is detected by the formation of a red complex
with dimethyl glyoxime (DMG).
NiCl2 + 2DMG + 2NH4OH → [Ni(DMG)2] + 2NH4Cl +
2H2O Nickel bis (dimethylglyoximate)
• The separation of Ag+ and Hg2+ in group I is based
on the fact that while AgCl dissolves in NH3, form-
ing a soluble complex, Hg2Cl2 forms an insoluble
black substance.
AgCl(s) + 2NH3(aq) → [Ag(NH3)2] (aq)
Soluble complex
Hg2Cl2(s) + NH3 → Hg(NH2)Cl.Hg + ACl
Black insoluble substance
1 Application of coordination compound By Satyendra sir
(ii) Quantitative Analysis
by precipitating Ni2+ as red nickel- dimethyl oxime
complex in the presence of ammonia.
NH3
Ni2+ + 2DMG ⎯⎯ ⎯ → [Ni(DMG)2]
Red ppt
EDTA is used in the complexometric determina-
tion of several metal ions such as Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe2+,
CO2+, Ni2+ etc.
• In medicinal chemistry:
◼ The platinum complex cis-(NH ) Cl ] known as
3 2 2
cispatin is used in the treatment of cancer.
◼ EDTA complex of calcium is used in the treat-
ment of lead poisoning. Ca-EDTA is a weak com-
plex; when it is administered, calcium in the
complex is replaced by the lead present in the
body and is eliminated in the urine.
◼ The excess of copper and iron present in ani-
mal system are removed by the chelating
ligands D-penicillamine and desferrioxime B via
the formation complexes.
• In biological system:
◼ Haemoglobin, the red pigmen: of blood which
acts as oxygen carrier is a complex of Fe2+ with
prophyrin.
◼ The pigment responsible for photosynthesis
chlorophyll is a complex of Mg2+ with prophyrin.
◼ Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamine) the antipernicious
anaemia factor, is a complex of cobalt.
• In the Estimation of Hardness of Water: The hard-
ness of water is estimated by simple titration with
Na2 EDTA. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions form stable com-
plexes with EDTA.
The selective estimation of these ion can be done
due to difference in the stability constants of cal-
cium and magnesium complexes.
• In Photography: In black and white photography,
the developed film is fixed by washing with hypo
solution which dissolves the undecomposed Ag Br
to form a complex ion, [Ag(S2O3)]3.
• In Catalysis: For example Wilkinson’s catalyst, a
rhodium complex: having of many industrial pro-
cesses. For example Wilkinson's catalyst, a
rhodium complex having formula [(PH3P)3 RhCl] is
used for the selective hydrogenation of alkenes.
2 Application of coordination compound By Gyanesh sir
6. A metal ion Mn+ having d4 valence Electronic con-
figuration combines with three didentate ligands
to form a complex compound. Assuming Δ0 > P .
(i) Draw the diagram showing a orbital splitting
during this complex formation.
(ii) Write the electronic configuration of the va-
lence electrons of the metal Mn+ ion in terms
of t2g and eg.
(iii) What type of hybridisation will Mn+ ion have?
(iv) Name the type of isomerism exhibited by this
complex.