Linkage isomerism arises from:
ADifferent oxidation states of the metal
BDifferent counter ions
CThe presence of an ambidentate ligand that can bind through two different donor atoms (e.g., NO₂⁻ via N or O)
DCis vs trans arrangement
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The presence of an ambidentate ligand that can bind through two different donor atoms (e.g., NO₂⁻ via N or O)
**Linkage isomerism** = same atoms, but the **ambidentate ligand** is connected to the metal through different donor atoms. Classic example: **[Co(NH₃)₅(NO₂)]²⁺** (yellow, bound through N) vs **[Co(NH₃)₅(ONO)]²⁺** (red, bound through O).
Related questions
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