Ligand field theory

Ligand field theory is a concept in chemistry that describes how central metal ions interact with surrounding molecules or ions, known as ligands. When ligands approach a metal ion, they create an electric field that affects the energy of the metal's electrons. This interaction can alter the arrangement of these electrons, influencing the color, magnetism, and stability of the chemical complex. Essentially, ligand field theory helps explain why different metal-ligand combinations exhibit unique properties, which is crucial for understanding various processes in fields like catalysis and materials science.