Effect of Ligand Exchange on Stability Constant (Cambridge International A-Level Chemistry)
Exam board Cambridge International · A-LevelUpdated 2026-07-02
Effect of Ligand Exchange on Stability Constant
- The stability constants (Kstab) of ligands are often given on a log10 scale so that it becomes easier to compare them with each other
- Ligand exchange in a complex occurs to form a more stable complex with a larger Kstab
- The stability constants can be used to explain the substitution of ligands in a copper complex
Ligand substitution in a Co(II) complex
- When excess ammonia is added to the [CoCl4]2- complex a brown solution is obtained
Ligand exchange of the [CoCl4]2- complex by ammonia
The chloride ligands are substituted by the ammonia ligands to form the more stable ammonia complex
- The formation of the ammonia complex could be explained by comparing the stability of the chloride and ammonia ligands
Stability of chloride and ammonia ligands table
| Ligand | Stability (log10 Kstab) |
|---|---|
| Cl– | 5.6 |
| NH3 | 13.1 |
- The stability constant of the ammonia ligand is greater than that of the chloride ligands
- The brown ammonia complex is therefore more stable
- As a result, the position of the equilibrium is shifted to the right
Worked Example The numerical values for the stability constants, Kstab, of three silver(I) complexes are given.
Silver(I) complex Numerical value of Kstab [Ag(S2O3)2]3– 2.9 x 1013 [Ag(CN)2]– 5.3 x 1018 [Ag(NH3)2]+ 1.6 x 107 An aqueous solution of Ag+ is added to a solution containing equal concentrations of S2O32– (aq), CN– (aq) and NH3 (aq). The mixture is left to reach equilibrium.
Deduce the relative concentrations of [Ag(S2O3)2]3–, [Ag(CN)2]– and [Ag(NH3)2]+ present in the equilibrium mixture. Explain your answer.
Answer
The highest concentration will be [Ag(CN)2]–
- This is because the Kstab value for [Ag(CN)2]– is the largest value OR
- [Ag(CN)2]– is the most stable
The lowest concentration will be [Ag(NH3)2]+
- This is because the Kstab value for [Ag(NH3)2]+ is the smallest value OR
- [Ag(NH3)2]+ is the least stable
An alternative explanation could be to state that higher Kstab values form a more stable complex
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