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Cyanide ion (CN⁻) can bind to a metal ion through either the carbon or nitrogen atom. Which type of ligand does CN⁻ represent when it donates an electron pair to a metal ion in a coordination compound?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Chemistry · Coordination Compounds
  1. Monodentate ligand
  2. Bidentate ligand
  3. Polydentate ligand
  4. Ambidentate ligand
Answer
Ambidentate ligand

The correct answer is Ambidentate ligand — Conclude that this flexibility makes CN⁻ an ambidentate ligand.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recognise that CN⁻ has two potential donor atoms: carbon and nitrogen.
  2. Realise that the ligand can coordinate through either atom, giving it flexibility.
  3. Conclude that this flexibility makes CN⁻ an ambidentate ligand.
Common mistake: Mistaking ambidentate ligand for monodentate

Concept tested: Ligand classification

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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