The coordination number of a central metal atom in a complex

• Coordination Compounds

The coordination number of a central metal atom in a complex is determined by

1. the number of only anionic ligands bonded to the metal ion
2. the number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by sigma and pi ­bonds both
3. the number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by pi­ bonds
4. the number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by sigma bonds

Answer

The number of atoms of the ligands that are directly bound to the central metal atom or ion by coordinate bonds is known as the coordination number of the metal atom or ion.

Coordination number of metal = number of sigma bonds formed by metal with ligands

The correct option is D.