Linkage isomerism in coordination compounds deals with a manner that a ligand binds to a metal ion: ambidentate ligands such as thiocyanate (SCN–), ion NO2– or DMSO can coordinate to the metal ion through two different donor atoms. For example, thiocyanate binds either via nitrogen or sulphur or, in the case of bridging coordination, through both atoms. Nature of the donor atom is defined by the oxidation state of the metal ion, other ligands in the metal coordination sphere, reaction conditions such as temperature, solvent or pH. In some cases the linkage isomers can display different colours. Stable linkage isomers can be distinguished by means of infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
The aim of my work was to prepare instructions for the experimental session for the course Spectroscopy. The session includes recording the IR spectra of five standards with known binding manner of thiocyanate and two compounds for which the binding manner is not known. The comparison of all spectra allows assignation of the thiocyanate binding manner.
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