Ligand exchange theory

Ligand exchange theory describes how molecules called ligands interact with metal ions in a solution. It explains the process where one ligand attached to a metal ion gets replaced by another ligand, often due to changes in conditions like temperature, pH, or concentration. This exchange influences the stability and reactivity of metal complexes, which are important in biological systems, catalysis, and materials science. Essentially, it’s a way to understand how molecules dynamically attach to and detach from metal centers, affecting how those complexes behave and function.