A
molecular entity formed by loose
association involving two or more component molecular entities (ionic or uncharged), or the corresponding
chemical species. The bonding between the components is normally weaker than in a covalent
bond. The term has also been used with a variety of shades of meaning in different contexts:
it is therefore best avoided when a more explicit alternative is applicable. In inorganic
chemistry the term '
coordination entity' is recommended instead of '
complex'.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1098
Cite as:
IUPAC. Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book"). Compiled by
A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1997).
XML on-line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org (2006-) created by M. Nic,
J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8.
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.
