METAL CENTER Meaning and
Definition
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A metal center refers to the central atom or ion in a coordination compound that binds with various ligands in order to form a complex. It is a defining feature of coordination chemistry, where metal centers play a crucial role in the composition and function of coordination compounds.
Metal centers are typically transition metals such as iron, copper, or platinum, although other elements such as main group metals like sodium or alkaline earth metals like calcium can also serve as metal centers. The metal center provides the coordination compound with its unique chemical and physical properties, as it can exhibit different oxidation states and form coordination bonds with ligands through its valence orbitals.
The metal center acts as a Lewis acid, accepting electron pairs from the ligands to form coordinate covalent bonds. These ligands, which can be simple molecules or complex organic compounds, surround the metal center and stabilize the overall complex. The coordination geometry around the metal center can vary, including linear, square planar, tetrahedral, octahedral, or other geometries depending on the number and nature of ligands.
Metal centers are not only found in coordination compounds but also in metalloenzymes, where the metal ion is responsible for the enzymatic activity. Understanding the properties and reactivity of metal centers is essential in the development of catalysts, materials science, and bioinorganic chemistry, as well as in various applications including medicine, agriculture, and energy conversion.
Common Misspellings for METAL CENTER
- netal center
- ketal center
- jetal center
- mwtal center
- mstal center
- mdtal center
- mrtal center
- m4tal center
- m3tal center
- meral center
- mefal center
- megal center
- meyal center
- me6al center
- me5al center
- metzl center
- metsl center
- metwl center
- metql center
- metak center
Etymology of METAL CENTER
The word "metal" comes from the Latin word "metallum", which originally referred to the mineral ore that can be mined and melted to obtain metal. It is believed to have ultimately originated from a Greek word "metallon", meaning mine or quarry.
The word "center" comes from the Latin word "centrum", which means the middle or central point. It has its roots in the Greek word "kentron", which carries a similar meaning.
When combined, "metal center" refers to the central or core part of a metal atom or complex in chemistry. The etymology of this specific combination is not well-documented, as it appears to be a technical term that evolved within the field of chemistry to describe the coordination sphere or active site of a metal atom or complex.
