Chemistry - Coordination Chemistry Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation: This question defines an ambidentate ligand based on its coordination properties with a central metal atom.

Concept: Coordination Compounds, Ambidentate Ligands.

Solution:

An ambidentate ligand is a monodentate species that possesses two different donor atoms. While it has two potential sites for coordination, it can only link to the metal atom through either one of the two atoms at any given time.

Common examples include the thiocyanate ion (SCN⁻), which can bind via sulfur or nitrogen.

For example, NO₂⁻ can coordinate in two ways:

M ← NO₂

M ← ONO

In both cases, 'O' and 'N' can donate an electron pair to form a coordinate bond.