The ligand nitrite (NO${}_2^{-}$) can coordinate to a metal ion either through nitrogen or through oxygen. According to IUPAC classification, such a ligand is called:

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify that the ligand can bind through two different donor atoms but only one donor atom is used at a time.
2. A ligand that offers alternative single donor atoms is classified as an ambidentate ligand.
3. Hence the correct option is (c) ambidentate.

Concept tested: ligand classification

Published 12 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked