Classification of complexes

Coordination complexes can be classified along two entirely independent axes. The first axis looks at the TYPES of ligands present in the coordination sphere -- whether a complex contains just one kind of ligand (homoleptic) or more than one kind (heteroleptic), covered in section 9.4.1. The second axis looks at the sign of the NET CHARGE carried by the whole coordination sphere -- whether it is positive (cationic), negative (anionic), or zero (neutral), covered in section 9.4.2. Because these two classifications are independent of each other, a single complex is described by BOTH at once -- for instance [Co(NH3)5Cl]SO4 is both hetero …