The stability of metal complexes in inorganic chemistry is determined by several factors. These factors can be used to predict the stability of a given complex. Some of the key factors include:1. Charge on the metal ion: Metal ions with higher positive charges tend to form more stable complexes due to the stronger electrostatic attraction between the metal ion and the ligands. For example, Fe3+ forms more stable complexes than Fe2+.2. Size of the metal ion: Smaller metal ions generally form more stable complexes due to their higher charge density, which leads to stronger electrostatic interactions with the ligands. For example, Al3+ forms more stable complexes than Mg2+.3. Nature of the ligand: The stability of a metal complex also depends on the nature of the ligands. Ligands with stronger electron-donating ability also known as better Lewis bases form more stable complexes. For example, complexes with ammonia NH3 as a ligand are generally more stable than those with water H2O as a ligand.4. Chelate effect: Metal complexes with chelating ligands ligands that can bind to the metal ion through multiple donor atoms are generally more stable than those with monodentate ligands ligands that bind through a single donor atom . This is due to the chelate effect, which results from the increased entropy of the system when chelating ligands are used.5. Crystal field stabilization energy CFSE : The stability of a metal complex can also be influenced by the crystal field stabilization energy, which is the energy difference between the metal ion's d-orbitals in the presence of the ligands compared to their energy in the absence of ligands. Complexes with higher CFSE values are generally more stable.6. Hard-soft acid-base HSAB theory: According to the HSAB theory, hard acids small, highly charged metal ions preferentially bind to hard bases ligands with small, highly electronegative donor atoms , while soft acids large, low-charged metal ions preferentially bind to soft bases ligands with large, less electronegative donor atoms . This principle can be used to predict the stability of metal complexes based on the hardness or softness of the metal ion and the ligand.By considering these factors, a chemistry student can predict the stability of metal complexes. However, it is important to note that these factors may not always be independent of each other, and their combined effects can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Experimental data and computational methods can also be used to support or refine these predictions.