In formulae, the usual practice is to place the symbol for the central atom(s) fist with ionic and neutral ligands following . The formula for the whole complex is enclosed in square brackets.

In names, the central atom(s) should be placed after the ligands. The names of coordination compounds always indicate the charge of the central atom (ion) in the form of oxidation number in Roman numerals in parenthesis.

The ligands are listed in alphabetical order regardless of the number of each. The name of a ligand is treated as a unit. Thus “diamuuine” is listed under “a” and not “d” and “dimethylamine” under “d”. For example, the complex [Pt(NH₃)₂CI] is named correctly as : diamminedichlorplatinum(II) . However, as per older rules, it was named as; dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) because earlier the negative ligands were listed fist. The older usage continues in some text books but we shall use the latest rules of IUPAC and list ligands in alphabetical order.

Cations and neutral molecules in coordination sphere are given no distinguishing termination. Anionic coordination spheres are given the termination are with the central atoms.
Structural information may be given in formulae and names by prefixes such as; cis, trans, cyclo, sym,asym, etc.

The above said new rules of nomenclature recommended by Inorganic Committee of IUPAC are illustrated below with examples.

When naming a salt, the cation is named first and then the anion. In the same way the positive part of the coordination compound is named first and then the negative part.

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