The oxalate ion (C\(_2\)O\(_4^{2-}\)) is a bidentate ligand, meaning it can coordinate to a metal ion at two different sites (via two oxygen atoms), forming a stable five-membered chelate ring.
- Chelation increases stability of the metal complex due to the chelate effect, which is an entropy-driven stabilization phenomenon.
- Common metal-oxalate complexes include:
- [Fe(C\(_2\)O\(_4\))\(_3\)]^{3-} (Ferric oxalate)
- [Cr(C\(_2\)O\(_4\))\(_3\)]^{3-} (Chromium(III) oxalate)