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The nitrite ion (\text{NO}_2^-) can bind to a metal centre via either the nitrogen or the oxygen atom. According to IUPAC nomenclature, such a ligand is called:

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

The correct answer is Ambidentate ligand — Answer: Ambidentate ligand.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recall that an ambidentate ligand can coordinate through two different atoms.
  2. Nitrite offers two donor atoms (N and O) capable of binding, hence it is ambidentate.
  3. Other ligand categories (e.g., chelating, bridging, monodentate) do not fit this description.
  4. Therefore the correct classification is ambidentate.
  5. Answer: Ambidentate ligand.
Common mistake: Calling nitrite a chelating ligand instead of ambidentate.

Concept tested: Ligand classification

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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