AbstractThe relation between the stability (log k) of a metal complex in solution and the ionization potential (I) of the metal component is ascertained for a number of systems described in the literature. There proves to be a linear relation of the following form: log k = p. (I − q). The value of q is found to depend on the functional group(s) of the ligand, that of p on the number of the functional groups in the ligand and the polarizability of the ligand molecul