Question:

According to Werner's theory of coordination compounds, the secondary valency represents

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Remember that primary valencies are represented by dotted lines (ionisable oxidation state), whereas secondary valencies are represented by solid lines (non-ionisable coordination number determining spatial geometry).
Updated On: May 31, 2026
  • Coordination number
  • Oxidation state
  • Charge on the complex
  • Ionic character
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation



Step 1: Concept

In coordination chemistry, Alfred Werner's theory postulates that central metal atoms or ions in coordination compounds exhibit two types of valencies: primary valency and secondary valency. These dictate how ligands and counter-ions bond with the metal center.


Step 2: Meaning

The two types of valencies correspond directly to modern structural properties:
Primary Valency: Corresponds to the oxidation state (or charge) of the central metal ion. It is ionisable and satisfied solely by negative ions.
Secondary Valency: Corresponds to the coordination number. It is non-ionisable, directional, and satisfied by either neutral molecules or negative ions directly acting as ligands.


Step 3: Analysis

Let us evaluate what each structural property represents according to the postulates:
Coordination number: Represents the total number of ligand donor atoms directly attached to the metal atom through coordinate bonds. This perfectly matches Werner's definition of fixed, non-ionisable secondary valencies.
Oxidation state: Governed by the charge-balancing primary valencies rather than secondary linkages.
Charge on the complex Ionic character: These properties stem from the primary ionisable spheres outside the coordination bracket.


Step 4: Conclusion

Thus, according to Werner's theory, the secondary valency directly represents the coordination number. This confirms that option A is correct.
Final Answer: (A)
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