Metal carbonyls: bonding and structure
Organometallic Compounds · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
Study notes
Ni(CO)₄ is tetrahedral and volatile (bp 43°C). Explain both facts. Step 1: Ni(0) is d¹⁰; 4 CO × 2 e⁻ = 8 e⁻; total 18 e⁻ — stable. Step 2: 4-coordinate d¹⁰ → tetrahedral (no CFSE preference). Step 3: Neutral molecule, only weak van der Waals forces → volatile liquid. Step 4: Mond process: Ni + 4CO ⇌ Ni(CO)₄ purifies nickel — volatility exploited!