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In the complex ion , the nitrite ligand can bind to the metal either through nitrogen or through oxygen. How is such a ligand classified?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Chemistry · Coordination Compounds
  1. Monodentate -donor
  2. Ambidentate ligand
  3. Bidentate chelating ligand
  4. -acceptor ligand
Answer
Ambidentate ligand

The correct answer is Ambidentate ligand — Therefore nitrite is an ambidentate ligand.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recognise that nitrite (NO) can coordinate through either the N atom or an O atom.
  2. Ligands that have two possible donor atoms but bind through only one at a time are called ambidentate ligands.
  3. Therefore nitrite is an ambidentate ligand.
Common mistake: Confusing ambidentate ligands with bidentate chelating ligands

Concept tested: Ambidentate ligand classification

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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