What is the fundamental difference between inert and stable complexes?

Labile Complexes: Reactions complete within 1 minute ( t 1/2 &lt; 1 min). Ligand exchange occurs rapidly.
Inert Complexes: Reactions take longer than 1 minute ( t 1/2 &gt; 1 min), often requiring hours or days despite favorable thermodynamic driving forces.

Stability is a thermodynamic property determined by Delta G and overall formation constants. Inertness is a kinetic property reflecting a high activation barrier and a slow rate of ligand substitution.

Why do square planar Pt(II) complexes undergo substitution via associative pathways?

Square planar complexes have a 16-electron count and open axial coordination sites, allowing an incoming ligand to coordinate and form a 5-coordinate trigonal bipyramidal intermediate.

How can you tell if an electron transfer reaction is inner-sphere or outer-sphere?

Inner-sphere transfer requires a bridging ligand capable of coordinating to both metals and at least one labile coordination partner. Without a bridging ligand, electron transfer proceeds via an outer-sphere mechanism.

Reaction of Transition Metal Complexes Notes PDF: Mechanisms, Trans Effect & Electron Transfer

Notes

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