Complexes: Kinetics and Mechanism

Kinetic data for the creation of metal complexes obtained through several methods depict that the complex formation of ML from metal ion, M, and ligand, L, can be explained in terms of a fast pre-equilibrium, including creation of an outer sphere complex M(H2O)L, that then loses water in the rate-determining step of inner sphere complex (ML) formation.

The formation rate is influenced through electron configuration and oxidation state of M, the charge of the entering ligand, and ligands, involving OHO-, already exist. The metal-water exchange process is possibly significant in determining the rate of polymerization and creation of intermediates in redox processes.