Question:medium

Which among the following is NOT a neutral ligand?

Show Hint

The names of anionic ligands generally end in "-o" (like chloro, cyano, thiocyanato), while neutral ligands typically retain their standard molecular names (with a few special exceptions like aqua, ammine, and carbonyl).
Updated On: Jun 1, 2026
  • Thiocyanate
  • Ammine
  • Aqua
  • Carbon monoxide
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What is a neutral ligand?
A neutral ligand carries no overall charge. We want the one in the list that does carry a charge.

Step 2: Write each formula.
Ammine is $\text{NH}_3$, aqua is $\text{H}_2\text{O}$, and carbon monoxide is CO. All three are neutral.

Step 3: Spot the charged one.
Thiocyanate is $\text{SCN}^-$, which has a charge of $-1$. So it is the one that is not neutral.
\[ \boxed{\text{Thiocyanate}} \]
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