Decomplexation

In chemistry, decomplexation refers to the removal of a ligand from a coordination complex.

Decomplexation is of particular interest when the ligand has been synthesized within the coordination sphere of the metal, as is often the case in organometallic chemistry.

[3] Another popular method for decomplexation involves oxidation of a low valent complex.

Oxidants include air,[4] dioxirane,[5] ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN), and halogens.

[6] One example of oxidative decomplexation involves the CAN-induced release and trapping of cyclobutadiene from cyclobutadieneiron tricarbonyl.