Overall Formation Constant
The equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex directly from the free metal ion and all its ligands.
Formula / equation
β_n = K₁K₂ … K_n
Unit
Various
In depth
Denoted beta, the overall constant is the product of all the stepwise constants, so its logarithm is their sum. It is the value usually tabulated, because it describes the net stability of the fully formed complex under the conditions of interest.
Examples in the real world
log β₄ for the tetraamminecopper(II) ion is about 13.1, the sum of its four stepwise logarithms.