Add groups around the metal and outside of the bracket. I put all the ammonia groups around the metal. Any chlorine groups that cannot be placed around the metal go outside of the bracket. The latter chlorine's are ionically bound and can be removed by precipitation with silver.

I understand that Werner has a new theory for the structures of the metal ammines. I can see no reason to make a break with the present theories of chemical structure that have taken all this century to develop. Why abandon a mainstream theory for an ad hoc explanation that is insufficiently supported by experimental evidence?

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.

Werner would favor a structure with the six ammonia groups coordinated around the cobalt with an octahedral geometry.

The ammonia groups attached to the metal are tightly bound. The Cl's outside of the bracket are loosely held.

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 -- none are tightly held.

I think this structure is a logical explanation for the number of groups added to metal salts, which remains constantly six. The six groups around the metal are in the first sphere and are tightly bound. The others are in the second sphere and are more loosely held. I deliver this concept of chemical compounds to my colleagues for their consideration.