An ambidentate ligand is one that:
ACannot form complexes
BBinds through two different donor atoms simultaneously
CBinds metals via π bonds only
DHas two donor atoms but only one of them can ligate at a given time, e.g., NO₂⁻ (via N or O) and SCN⁻ (via S or N)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Has two donor atoms but only one of them can ligate at a given time, e.g., NO₂⁻ (via N or O) and SCN⁻ (via S or N)
**Ambidentate ligand** = has two different donor atoms but only one ligates at a time. Examples: **NO₂⁻** (nitro via N / nitrito via O), **SCN⁻** (thiocyanato via S / isothiocyanato via N). Gives rise to **linkage isomerism**.
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