noun
coordination
The chemical bonding of surrounding atoms, ions, or molecules to a central atom or ion.
Coordination binds six water molecules to a central cobalt ion.
Etymology
Latin co- and ordo connect the word with ordering together. Chemical coordination applies that organized relationship to surrounding atoms, ions, or molecules bonded around a common center.
More examples
- Ammonia bonds to the copper ion through coordination.
- Coordination changes the color of some metal ion solutions.
- This ligand uses two nitrogen atoms for coordination to iron.
Forms
coordination
coordinate verb — To bond chemically with a central atom.
Similar words
- chelation
- Specifically involves one ligand bonding at multiple sites to one center.
- complexation
- Describes complex formation, sometimes through interactions other than coordination.