In naming coordination compounds, what is the correct order in which components should be listed?

In naming coordination compounds, the order of components is critical for accurately conveying the composition of the complex. The correct approach is to first list the ligands, followed by the metal, and then include the oxidation state of the metal in Roman numerals. This systematic naming convention is essential for clarity and understanding.

Ligands are listed in alphabetical order based on their names, regardless of charge, which helps to avoid ambiguity. After the ligands, the metal is named, accompanied by its oxidation state, represented in Roman numerals in parentheses. For example, in the compound [Cu(NH3)4]SO4, "NH3" is the ligand, and "Cu" is the metal with an oxidation state that would need to be specified based on the overall charge of the complex.

This structure allows chemists to quickly deduce information about the coordination sphere of the compound, the types of ligands present, and the electronic state of the metal center. Other options suggest different sequences that do not adhere to the recognized conventions of naming in coordination chemistry, leading to potential confusion in the interpretation of the compound's structure and properties.