Applications of Coordination Compounds

Applications of coordination compounds are vast and diverse because these complexes, formed by a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions (ligands), play crucial roles in chemistry, industry, medicine, and environmental science. Their unique bonding and properties make them indispensable in modern science and technology.

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Coordination compounds are complexes formed by a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions called ligands. Their unique bonding and structures make them vital in chemistry and industry.

Table of Contents

• Medicinal Applications
• Industrial Applications
• Analytical Applications
• Environmental Applications
• Biological Importance
• Quiz
• MCQs
• FAQs

1. Medicinal Applications

• Cancer Treatment: Cisplatin is used in chemotherapy to bind DNA and prevent cancer cell replication.
• Antimicrobial Agents: Silver nitrate and copper complexes act against bacteria and fungi.
• Oxygen Transport: Hemoglobin (Fe complex) transports oxygen in blood.

2. Industrial Applications

• Catalysts: Wilkinson’s catalyst for hydrogenation; complexes in hydroformylation.
• Extraction: Cyanide complex in gold extraction.
• Pigments: Chromium and cobalt complexes in dyes.

3. Analytical Applications

• Qualitative Analysis: Colored complexes detect metal ions.
• Titrations: EDTA is used in complexometric titrations.
• Sensors: Complexes detect gases, ions, biomolecules.

4. Environmental Applications

• Water Treatment: Removes toxic metals from wastewater.
• Pollution Control: Catalyzes breakdown of harmful compounds.

5. Biological Importance

• Enzymes: Zinc fingers and Fe-S clusters act as coordination centers.
• Transport & Storage: Metalloproteins regulate ion storage.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the role of cisplatin in medicine?
2. Name an industrial application of coordination compounds.
3. How are they used in water treatment?
4. What is EDTA and why is it important?
5. Give an example of a compound involved in oxygen transport.

Answers

1. Cisplatin inhibits DNA replication in cancer cells.
2. Wilkinson’s catalyst for hydrogenation.
3. They form complexes with toxic ions for removal.
4. EDTA is a ligand for titrations in metal analysis.
5. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in blood.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which metal complex is an anticancer drug?
   • a) [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺
   • b) Cisplatin ([PtCl₂(NH₃)₂])
   • c) [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻
   • d) [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺
2. EDTA is mainly used in:
   • a) Medicine
   • b) Catalysis
   • c) Complexometric titrations
   • d) Pigment manufacture
3. The central metal ion in hemoglobin is:
   • a) Copper
   • b) Iron
   • c) Zinc
   • d) Cobalt
4. Coordination compounds are used in pollution control because:
   • a) They are toxic
   • b) They catalyze pollutant breakdown
   • c) They form complexes with harmful substances
   • d) They are soluble in water

MCQ Answers

1. b) Cisplatin ([PtCl₂(NH₃)₂])
2. c) Complexometric titrations
3. b) Iron
4. c) They form complexes with harmful substances

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of coordination compounds in medicine?

Cisplatin and related drugs are lifesaving in cancer therapy.

2. How does EDTA help in analytical chemistry?

EDTA forms stable complexes with metal ions, useful in titrations to determine metal concentration.

3. Are coordination compounds used in environmental protection?

Yes, they help remove toxic metals from water and break down pollutants.