Coordination Compounds

Question

How does the metal carbonyls gain stability although CO is a weak donor?

Answer

The metal -carbon bond in metal carbonyls posses both σ and π character. The M–C σ bond is formed by the donation of lone pair of electrons on the metal. The M–C π bond is formed by the donation of a pair of electrons from a filled d orbital of metal into the vacant antibonding π* orbital of carbon monoxide. The metal to ligand bonding creates a synergic effect which strengthens the bond between CO and the metal.

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