What is the geometry of an #ML_2X_2# complex?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 10, 2015

A four coordinate metal complex can have either square planar OR tetrahedral geometry.

Explanation:

If #ML_2X_2# is tetrahedral, all the metal ligand positions are equivalent. Should the complex be square planar, the chelating oxalato ligand can ONLY span cis -positions, to give a cis metal complex. For the trans complex, the oxalato ligand would join up metal centres (with the elimination of #AgCl#!) to give oligomers and polymers.

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