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960 terms · page 23 of 40


A–Z
All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Acids, Bases & Salts

Levelling Effect

The tendency of a solvent to reduce all acids or bases stronger than its own ionised forms to the same effective strength.

Dimensionless
Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Structure

A diagram showing the bonding and lone pairs of a molecule using dots or lines for valence electrons.

Dimensionless
Acids, Bases & Salts

Lewis Theory

The theory defining an acid as an electron pair acceptor and a base as an electron pair donor.

A + :B → A←B Dimensionless
Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry

Ligand

An ion or molecule that donates one or more electron pairs to a central metal atom.

Dimensionless
Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry

Ligand Field Theory

The refined bonding model that combines crystal field theory with molecular orbital treatment of metal–ligand covalency.

cm⁻¹
Solutions & Colligative Properties

Like Dissolves Like

The empirical rule that substances dissolve best in solvents with similar polarity and bonding character.

Dimensionless
Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy

Limit of Detection

The smallest concentration of analyte that can be reliably distinguished from the blank.

LOD = 3σ_blank / m Various
Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy

Limit of Quantitation

The lowest concentration at which the analyte can be measured with acceptable precision and accuracy.

LOQ = 10σ_blank / m Various
Electrochemistry & Redox

Limiting Molar Conductivity

The molar conductivity of an electrolyte extrapolated to infinite dilution, where ionic interactions vanish.

Λ°m S·cm²/mol
Stoichiometry & Chemical Reactions

Limiting Reagent

The reactant that is completely consumed first and therefore determines the maximum amount of product obtainable.

smallest n / coefficient mol
Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure

Linear Geometry

A molecular shape in which the bonded atoms lie on a straight line, giving a bond angle of 180°.

AX₂ or AX₂E₃ degrees
Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry

Linkage Isomerism

Isomerism arising when an ambidentate ligand bonds to the metal through different donor atoms.

Dimensionless
Biochemistry & Polymer Chemistry

Lipid

A biomolecule that is largely non-polar and therefore insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Dimensionless
States of Matter & Gas Laws

Liquefaction of Gases

The conversion of a gas into a liquid by cooling below its critical temperature and applying pressure.

K
States of Matter & Gas Laws

Liquid Crystal

A state of matter that flows like a liquid but retains some of the molecular ordering of a crystal.

Dimensionless
States of Matter & Gas Laws

Liquid State

The state of matter with a definite volume but no fixed shape, in which particles are close together yet free to move past one another.

Dimensionless
Electrochemistry & Redox

Lithium-Ion Battery

A rechargeable cell in which lithium ions shuttle between a graphite anode and a metal oxide cathode.

LiCoO₂ + C₆ ⇌ Li₁₋ₓCoO₂ + LiₓC₆ V
Biochemistry & Polymer Chemistry

Lock and Key Model

The model proposing that the substrate fits a rigid, precisely shaped active site as a key fits a lock.

Dimensionless
Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure

London Dispersion Forces

Attractions between molecules caused by instantaneous fluctuations in electron distribution inducing dipoles in neighbours.

E ∝ α² / r⁶ kJ/mol
Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lone Pair

A pair of valence electrons localised on one atom and not involved in bonding.

Dimensionless
Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry

Low Spin Complex

A complex in which electrons pair in the lower d orbitals rather than occupying the upper set.

Δ > P BM
Nuclear & Radiochemistry

Magic Numbers

Particular numbers of protons or neutrons that give a nucleus exceptional stability.

2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126 Dimensionless
Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry

Magnetic Moment of Complexes

The magnetic behaviour of a complex, determined by the number of unpaired electrons it contains.

μ = √(n(n+2)) BM BM
Atomic Structure & Periodicity

Magnetic Quantum Number

The quantum number mₗ that specifies the spatial orientation of an orbital relative to an applied magnetic field.

mₗ = −l … 0 … +l Dimensionless