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Which type of ligand is the water molecule (H₂O) when it acts as a donor to a metal ion in a coordination compound?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Chemistry · Coordination Compounds
  1. X-type (anion) ligand
  2. L-type (neutral) ligand
  3. Z-type (electron acceptor) ligand
  4. LX-type (ambidentate) ligand
Answer
L-type (neutral) ligand

The correct answer is L-type (neutral) ligand — Therefore, water acts as an L-type ligand when it coordinates to a metal ion.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the charge on the water molecule; H₂O is neutral.
  2. Neutral ligands that donate a lone pair are classified as L-type ligands according to the Covalent Bond Classification (CBC) method.
  3. Therefore, water acts as an L-type ligand when it coordinates to a metal ion.
Common mistake: Treating H₂O as an X‑type ligand because it contains oxygen.

Concept tested: Ligand classification (L‑type)

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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