A molecular entity formed by loose association involving two or more component molecular entities (ionic or uncharged), or the corresponding chemical species. The bonding between the components is normally weaker than in a covalent bond.
The term has also been used with a variety of shades of meaning in different contexts: it is therefore best avoided when a more explicit alternative is applicable. In inorganic chemistry the term "coordination entity" is recommended instead of "complex" (IUPAC INORGANIC NOMENCLATURE (1990). For the different usage of "complex" in inorganic chemistry, see IUPAC INORGANIC RULES (1970); Rule 2.24. See also activated complex, adduct, charge transfer complex, electron-donor-acceptor complex, encounter complex, inclusion complex, ![[sigma]](/img3/D_files/SIGMA.gif)
-adduct, ![[pi]](/img3/D_files/PI.gif)
-adduct, transition state.
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