Alfred Werner
He developed the coordination theory of transition metal complexes, revolutionizing inorganic chemistry.
Most quoted
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
— from Attributed
"The existence of isomers, differing only in the spatial arrangement of their constituent atoms, provides strong evidence for the three-dimensional nature of molecules."
— from Habilitationsschrift, University of Zurich, 1893
"The primary valencies are those which are satisfied by the formation of ions, while the secondary valencies are satisfied by the formation of non-ionizable groups."
— from Neuere Anschauungen auf dem Gebiete der anorganischen Chemie, 1907
All quotes by Alfred Werner (414)
The idea that a single central atom can be surrounded by multiple other atoms in a definite geometric arrangement was revolutionary.
The concept of 'primary' and 'secondary' valencies was a necessary step to reconcile the observed properties with a consistent theory.
My work laid the foundation for modern inorganic chemistry and its understanding of complex structures.
The ability to predict the number and types of isomers for a given coordination compound was a key triumph of my theory.
The traditional 'bond line' representations were inadequate for describing the intricate structures of coordination complexes.
The idea that a metal atom could act as a central hub for multiple ligands was a significant departure from previous thinking.
The coordination theory has opened up a new field of research in inorganic chemistry.
A metal atom can form a definite number of bonds, which are directed in space.
The constitution of complex compounds is determined by the coordination number of the central atom.
The properties of complex compounds depend on the nature of the central atom and the coordinated groups.
The coordination number is a fundamental property of the metal ion.
The spatial arrangement of the coordinated groups is of great importance for the properties of the complex.
The theory of coordination compounds is based on the concept of primary and secondary valences.
The secondary valence is responsible for the formation of complex compounds.
The coordination theory has solved the problem of the structure of complex compounds.
The coordination theory is a general theory of valence.
The coordination theory has shown that the valence of an element is not a fixed number.
The coordination theory has led to a new understanding of the chemical bond.
The coordination theory has made it possible to predict the existence of new compounds.
The coordination theory has been confirmed by a large number of experimental facts.
Contemporaries of Alfred Werner
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Alfred Werner (1866–1919).