When a metal cation combines with a Lewis base, a complex ion forms. We can define a complex ion as an ion containing a central metal cation bonded (covalently) to one or more molecules or ions called ligands. Transition metal ions have a particular tendency to form complex ions because they have more than one oxidation state. This property allows them to act effectively as Lewis acids in reactions with many molecules or ions that serve as electron donors or as Lewis bases. The formation of a complex ion tends to increase the solubility of a salt because the metal cations are removed from the solubility equilibria to form the complex ion. Copper ammonium complex-> Cu2+(aq) + 4 NH3(aq) <==> Cu(NH3)42+(aq) Nickel- ammonium complex ->Ni(NH3)62+ Solution When a metal cation combines with a Lewis base, a complex ion forms. We can define a complex ion as an ion containing a central metal cation bonded (covalently) to one or more molecules or ions called ligands. Transition metal ions have a particular tendency to form complex ions because they have more than one oxidation state. This property allows them to act effectively as Lewis acids in reactions with many molecules or ions that serve as electron donors or as Lewis bases. The formation of a complex ion tends to increase the solubility of a salt because the metal cations are removed from the solubility equilibria to form the complex ion. Copper ammonium complex-> Cu2+(aq) + 4 NH3(aq) <==> Cu(NH3)42+(aq) Nickel- ammonium complex ->Ni(NH3)62+.