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 coordination number of a central atom is the number of atoms or groups directly attached to it.
The concept of valency, as it has been developed for organic compounds, is insufficient to explain the constitution of inorganic compounds.
The primary valency of an atom is its combining power with other atoms, while the secondary valency is its combining power with groups of atoms.
The spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule is not arbitrary but follows definite rules.
Isomerism is not limited to organic compounds but is also a common phenomenon in inorganic chemistry.
The existence of optical isomers provides strong evidence for the tetrahedral arrangement of groups around a central atom.
The coordination theory provides a unified framework for understanding the structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds.
The properties of a complex compound are determined not only by the nature of the central atom and the ligands but also by their spatial arrangement.
The concept of coordination number is fundamental to understanding the structure of complex compounds.
The coordination theory allows us to predict the existence of new compounds and to explain their properties.
The study of coordination compounds has opened up new avenues for research in inorganic chemistry.
The primary valency is satisfied by electrovalent bonds, while the secondary valency is satisfied by coordinate covalent bonds.
The existence of geometrical isomers in coordination compounds is a direct consequence of their spatial arrangement.
The central atom in a complex compound is surrounded by a definite number of ligands, which are arranged in a specific geometry.
The properties of coordination compounds are often very different from those of their constituent atoms or ions.
The coordination theory has provided a powerful tool for the synthesis of new inorganic materials.
The concept of coordination number is essential for understanding the stability and reactivity of complex compounds.
The study of coordination compounds has led to the development of new analytical techniques.
The coordination theory has had a profound impact on all branches of chemistry.
The existence of optical activity in coordination compounds is a direct proof of their three-dimensional structure.
Contemporaries of Alfred Werner
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Alfred Werner (1866–1919).