Coordination number or legancy (C.N.) : The number of (monodentate) ligands which are directly bonded by coordinate bonds to central metal atom or ion in a coordination compound is called coordination number (C.N.) of the metal atom or ion.
Explanation :
- The coordination number (C.N.) is a characteristic property of the metal and its electronic configuration.
- C.N. takes the values from 2 to 10, of which 4 and 6 are very common.
- The light transition metals show C.N. 4 and 6 while the heavier transition metals show C.N. 8.
- The geometry and shape of a complex compound depends upon C.N. of the metal.
