Kinetics and Mechanisms of Ligand Exchange Reactions : A Review

Department of Chemistry, Manipur University, Imphal-795 003

Department of Chemistry. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016

Manuscript received 27 March 1991

Chemical reactions in which the composition of the first coordination sphere around a metal centre changes, are termed ligand exchange reactions  A  thorough appreciation of the chemistry of transition metals requires an understanding and knowledge of their reaction mechanisms In this review we discuss the salient features of exchange reactions under the following heads and sub heads : (i) Classification of substitution reactions (ii) Formation reactions, (iii) Dissociation reactions and (iv) Ligand displacement reactions : (a) monodentate ligand exchange reactions, (b) multidentate ligand exchange reactions, (c) metal exchange reactions between ligands, (d) double exchange reactions.

                 In the ensuing text further sub-division has been found necessary. While the discussion covers the principles

governing the behaviour of transition metals in general, the emphasis is mainly laid on nickel(II), iron( I) and iron(III) metal centres.