Definition

Noun: 1. A coordination compound in which ammonia molecules act as ligands: An ammine is a specific type of complex inorganic compound where one or more molecules of ammonia (NH₃) are directly bonded to a central metal ion through a coordinate covalent bond. The ammonia molecules in these compounds are neutral ligands.

Usage

• Ammines are a class of coordination compounds studied in inorganic chemistry.
• The term is used to name and describe compounds where ammonia is the sole or primary ligand attached to a metal center.
• The stability and properties of an ammine complex depend on the central metal ion.

Examples

• The deep blue color in the solution is characteristic of the tetraamminecopper(II) ion, .
• Hexaamminecobalt(III) chloride, , is a well-known and stable ammine complex.
• In the laboratory, the formation of an ammine is often used to identify the presence of certain metal ions.

Advanced Usage

• The naming convention follows IUPAC rules: the number of ammonia ligands is indicated by a Greek prefix (di-, tri-, tetra-, etc.) followed by "ammine," and then the name of the metal with its oxidation state.
• Ammine complexes are distinct from ammonium () salts, which contain the ammonium cation and do not involve coordinate bonds to a separate metal center.

Variants and Related Words

• Ammonia (): The neutral molecule that acts as the ligand in ammine complexes.
• Ammoniate (verb): An older, less specific term sometimes used to describe the addition of ammonia or the formation of an ammine-like compound.
• Ammine is the standard spelling for the coordination compound. The variant amine refers to a completely different class of organic compounds containing a nitrogen atom bonded to carbon atoms (e.g., , methylamine).

Synonyms

• Ammonia complex: A more descriptive synonym.
• Metal-ammonia complex: A more explicit term highlighting the components.

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has a single, precise meaning in inorganic chemistry. It should not be confused with: * Amine: An organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic hydrocarbon groups. * Ammonium: The positively charged polyatomic ion NH₄⁺.

Noun

1. a complex inorganic compound that contains ammonia molecules