Question

A ligand which has two different donor atoms and either of the two ligates with the central metal atom/ion in the complex is called

• A. Unidentate ligand
• B. Polydentate ligand
• C. Ambidentate ligand
• D. Chelate ligand

Hint:

Ambidentate ligands can bind through different atoms, making them versatile in coordination chemistry. They can show different binding modes depending on the metal ion and the environment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

An ambidentate ligand is a type of ligand that can bind to a metal ion at two different donor atoms, one of which is used to form a coordinate bond at a time. These ligands contain two or more donor atoms, but only one donor atom is involved in the binding with the metal ion at a given time. An example of an ambidentate ligand is thiocyanate (\( \text{SCN}^- \)), where the sulfur or nitrogen atom can serve as the donor atom. Thus, the correct answer is: \[ \text{(3) Ambidentate ligand} \]