Structural Representation of Organometallics and Coordination Compounds and a Recommended Representation by Use of Dashed Lines

Abstract: By using broken lines to represent coordination interactions in organometallic and other coordinated compounds, we can draw structures satisfying the valencies of the atoms present. These broken lines should be used to replace many false single covalent bonds now used to depict organometallic and coordinated compounds. Chemical drawing software should not recognize such broken lines as single covalent bonds and they should be ignored. An example of confusing and erroneous structural representation of organometallics and coordination compounds is discussed.