WJ Bond Theory

Chain Theory

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Co(NH3)6Cl3

# clorines =
# ammonias =

add

remove

NH3

In the grid to the left, build a chain theory structure for Co(NH3)6Cl3. Use the buttons above to indicate what you want to do (e.g., Add Cl). Then click the mouse on the asterisks where you want to add or remove groups. Click on the Done button when the structure is done.

I really don't have anything to say right now. I might after you get the chain theory structure finished.

Add the ammonia groups in chains connected to the cobalt. The chlorines go on the end of the chains. Experience shows me that one of the chains will have four ammonia groups in it.

1. To add a Cl or NH3 click the "Add" button and either the "Cl" or "NH3" buttons. Move the mouse cursor to the chosen asterisk and click the mouse.
2. To remove an atom, click the "Remove" button and then click the mouse on the chosen atom.
3. When you are finished, click the "Done" button.

A number of structures are possible. One of them is:
This structure puts four ammonia groups in a chain, which appears to be favored. You would need information from silver precipitation experiments to tell if the chlorines are connected to cobalt or ammonia groups.

This can't be the proper structure for this compound. The structure doesn't have the correct number of elements in it.

Jørgensen observed that some chlorines were more easily removed than others. In the ammine shown, three Cl's are precipitated by silver nitrate. Easily removed Cl's are assumed to be attached to ammonia and tightly held Cl's to the metal.

I am dissatisfied with the Chain Theory. The metal ammines often contain 6 groups, such as ammonia. Why is this? I think a logical explanation is that the six groups are bound to the metal atom.

Although our ability to write structures for many inorganic substances is limited. I think the chain theory is a consistent extension of Blomstrand's theory. I am satisfied that they describe the many new compex compounds that I have made.