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)