Question

Discuss briefly giving an example of the role of a coordination compound in analytical chemistry.

Answer 1

Co-ordination compounds are used as catalysts for many industrial processes & have many applications in qualitative/quantitative chemical analysis within analytical chemistry.

Eg : (1) In the qualitative methods of analysis complex formation is of immense importance in the identification & separation of most inorganic ions.

When ${CuSO}_4$ solution is mixed with aq. ${NH}_3$, a deep blue complex soluble in water is formed which is used to detect cupric ions in the salt.

(2) The water hardness is estimated by titration with the sodium salt of $EDTA$. The ${Ca}^{2+}$ & ${Mg}^{2+}$ ions in hard water forms the stable complexes. $Mg-EDTA$ & $Ca-EDTA$. These ions can be selectively estimated due to the difference in the stability constants of $Mg$ & $Ca-EDTA$ complexes.