hoofdligand
Hoofdligand is a term used in coordination chemistry to describe the primary ligand bound to a central metal atom or ion. It is the ligand that largely defines the coordination environment, geometry, and electronic structure of the complex. The hoofdligand is typically contrasted with bijliganden, secondary ligands, or solvent/ counter-ions that complete the coordination sphere but often bind more weakly or are more labile.
The hoofdligand can be monodentate or multidentate and often exerts a strong influence on the properties of
Common examples of hoofdliganden include multidentate ligands such as 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, terpyridine, and porphyrin-like macrocycles, as
In Dutch-language literature, hoofdligand is used to distinguish the primary binding partner from secondary ligands; in