Introducing Metal-Aqua Ions
Introducing Metal-Aqua Ions
When positive metal ions dissolve in water, they form coordinate (dative covalent) bonds with surrounding water molecules. The oxygen atom in each water molecule acts as a ligand, donating a lone pair of electrons into an empty orbital of the metal ion. For transition metals like copper and iron, as well as main-group metals like aluminium, six water molecules coordinate to the central metal ion to form an octahedral complex.
Step-by-step lessons on AQA A Level Chemistry Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only), covering Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only). Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Build confidence with atomic structure, bonding and moles calculations early on, since these underpin the more demanding organic mechanisms, equilibrium and practical-analysis topics that dominate Year 2.