complex compounds

[/ˈkɑːmplɛks ˈkɑːmpaʊndz/]
nounpl: complex compounds
compostos complexos
1. Chemical substances formed by the combination of a central metal atom or ion with surrounding non-metal atoms or molecules (ligands), creating a structure with specific spatial and electronic properties
Iron forms complex compounds with cyanide ligands in Prussian blue pigment.
O ferro forma compostos complexos com ligantes de cianeto no pigmento azul da Prússia.
2. Compounds composed of multiple constituent parts or elements arranged in an intricate or sophisticated manner
Pharmaceutical researchers study complex compounds to develop new medications.
Os pesquisadores farmacêuticos estudam compostos complexos para desenvolver novos medicamentos.
3. In coordination chemistry, substances where ligands are bonded to a central metal ion through coordinate covalent bonds
Hemoglobin is a complex compound where iron is coordinated by porphyrin molecules.
A hemoglobina é um composto complexo onde o ferro é coordenado por moléculas de porfirina.
This is primarily a scientific and academic term used consistently across English and Portuguese-speaking countries in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical research. It carries the same technical meaning in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, though Portuguese chemistry texts may emphasize 'complexos de coordenação' (coordination complexes) more frequently.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
coordination compoundschelate compoundsligand complexesmetal complexes
Antonyms / Antônimos
simple compoundsbinary compounds

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
compostos complexos
Standard term used in chemistry education and scientific literature
São Paulo
compostos complexos
Commonly used in university chemistry departments and research institutions
Portugal
compostos complexos
Same term used; sometimes referred to as 'complexos de coordenação' in coordination chemistry contexts

Related Words

ligandcoordination chemistrymetal ionschelationcoordination bondadducts

Related Idioms & Phrases

a complex compound of flavors
breaking down complex compounds
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