Question

Number of ambidentate ligands among the following is ____.
\[ \text{NO}_2^{-}, \text{SCN}^{-}, \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}, \text{NH}_3, \text{CN}^{-}, \text{SO}_4^{2-}, \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

Step 1: Define ambidentate ligands
Ambidentate ligands are ligands that can coordinate to a metal center through two different atoms.

Step 2: Analyze the ligands

1. \(\text{NO}_2^-\): Ambidentate ligand; can bind through N or O.
2. \(\text{SCN}^-\): Ambidentate ligand; can bind through S or N.
3. \(\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}\): Not ambidentate; it is a bidentate ligand.
4. \(\text{NH}_3\): Not ambidentate; monodentate ligand binding through N.
5. \(\text{CN}^-\): Ambidentate ligand; can bind through C or N.
6. \(\text{SO}_4^{2-}\): Not ambidentate; it is a bidentate ligand.
7. \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\): Not ambidentate; monodentate ligand binding through O.

Step 3: Count ambidentate ligands
Ambidentate ligands are:
\[ \text{NO}_2^-, \, \text{SCN}^-, \, \text{CN}^-. \] Total number = 3.

Thus, the correct answer: 3.