science

Hofmann clathrates

Hofmann clathrates is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Hofmann clathrates rather than just read about it. In short: In inorganic chemistry, Hofmann clathrates refers to materials with the formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6). These materials are a type of coordination polymer that have properties of inclusion compounds.

Key takeaways

Hofmann clathrates belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Hofmann clathrates to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Hofmann clathrates from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

In inorganic chemistry, Hofmann clathrates refers to materials with the formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6). These materials are a type of coordination polymer that have properties of inclusion compounds. They have attracted attention because they can be used to separate xylenes. On a conceptual level, Hofmann clathrates can be viewed as forerunners to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).

Structures

The empirical formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6) reflects the presence of two types of nickel(II) centers, one of which is the square-planar tetracyanonickelate, [Ni(CN)4]2-. The second kind of nickel site consists of [Ni(NH3)2]2+ groups that are connected to the Ni-CN nitrogens. Thus cyanide serves as a bridging ligand. The linking of the [Ni(CN)4]2- and trans-[Ni(NH3)2]2+ subunits results in a sheet-like polymer. Voids between these sheets, defined by the ammonia ligands, are occupied by benzene molecules.

Variations Many variations of Hofmann clathrates have been reported. The ammonia ligands can be replaced by diamines. Tetracyanonickelate can be replaced by tetracyanopalladate. A wide range of arenes can occupy the benzene site.

See also Host–guest chemistry Clathrate compound

References

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Hofmann clathrates

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Hofmann clathrates claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Hofmann clathrates before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Hofmann clathrates ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Hofmann clathrates

In research: Hofmann clathrates appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Hofmann clathrates in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Hofmann clathrates is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Cyano complexes, Cyanometallates, Nickel complexes, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Hofmann clathrates outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Hofmann clathrates in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Hofmann clathrates means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Hofmann clathrates out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hofmann clathrates in simple terms?

In inorganic chemistry, Hofmann clathrates refers to materials with the formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6). These materials are a type of coordination polymer that have properties of inclusion compounds.

Why does Hofmann clathrates matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Hofmann clathrates?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Hofmann clathrates.