Resolution of charge and spin transfer yields new look on {Fe–NO}7 complexes.
Both FeIIP(NH3)NO and [FeII(H2O)5NO]2 +are mixtures of radical and CT structures.
For bent FeIIP(NH3)NO complex strong back-bonding prevails over donation.
No noticeable CT between NO and Fe fragments appears for linear [FeII(H2O)5NO]2 +.