Calculation of the equilibrium constants and binding cooperativity parameters of ammonia with Group II metal cations in solution

Abstract

The matrix model was used to analyze the distribution diagrams and formation functions of ammonia complexes [M(NH₃) _n ]²⁺ (n = 0−4) of Group II metal ions (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺) in solution. Intrinsic binding constants of the ligand (K _in) and mutual influence corrections (ω) for complex formation with aqua ions in solution were calculated. The equilibrium constants were calculated by the matrix method. The coordination sphere of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Zn²⁺ by ammonia in a cooperative manner; with Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺, both cooperative and anticooperative binding occur concurrently. Possibilities for differentiation between tetrahedral and square planar coordination polyhedra on the basis of the characteristic features of ligand binding, determined by the matrix model, are discussed.