Complex formation of N-donor ligands with group 11 monovalent ions

Thermodynamic data on complex formation between nitrogen donor ligands (amines, pyridines) and group 11 monovalent ions in water and non-aqueous media are reviewed here. Particular emphasis is paid to Ag(I) complex formation in water and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), due to the amount and quality of data available. The influence of different basicities and steric properties of ligands, together with the solvation of the species involved, on the stability and nature of the resulting complexes is discussed. It emerges generally that the coordination properties of amines towards 1+ ions are all modulated through the number and basicity of nitrogen atoms present in the ligand, chelate ring sizes, degree of N-functionalisation, and the nature of the solvent. When possible, the thermodynamic properties of the complexes are related to the structural features of the ligands.