Coordination number

Coordination number refers to the number of ligand atoms or ions that are directly bonded to a central atom or ion in a coordination complex. It is an important concept in coordination chemistry and helps in understanding the structure and stability of coordination compounds. For example, in a metal complex such as [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺, the cobalt ion (Co³⁺) is surrounded by six ammonia (NH₃) ligands.