Question

What are linkage isomers? Give an example.

Answer 1

Linkage isomerism

• Linkage isomerism is the existence of coordination compounds that have the same composition differing with the connectivity of the metal to a ligand.

Example of linkage isomerism

• Complexes containing the thiocyanate ligand,${\mathrm{NCS}}^{–}$, can bind via nitrogen to form $\mathrm{M}–\mathrm{NCS}$or by sulfur to form$\mathrm{M}–\mathrm{SCN}$.
• So, in complex 1: M → NCS i.e., metal is attached from ‘N’
• Similarly in complex 2: M→ SCN i.e., metal is attaching from ‘C’