Question:medium

Which of the following is not an ambidentate ligand?

Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • C2O42−
  • SCN
  • NO2
  • CN
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

An ambidentate ligand is capable of coordinating to a central metal ion via two distinct donor atoms.

\(C2O_4^{2-}\) (Oxalate): Oxalate functions as a bidentate ligand, establishing bonds through two oxygen atoms. Since these oxygen atoms are identical, oxalate is not considered ambidentate, always bonding via its two oxygen atoms.

\(SCN^-\)(Thiocyanate): Thiocyanate exhibits ambidentate behavior, as it can coordinate through either its sulfur atom (thiocyanate-S) or its nitrogen atom (thiocyanate-N).

\(NO_2^-\) (Nitrite): Nitrite is an ambidentate ligand, with the capacity to bind through its nitrogen atom (nitro) or an oxygen atom (nitrite).

\(CN^-\) (Cyanide): Cyanide is an ambidentate ligand, capable of bonding through its carbon atom (cyano) or its nitrogen atom (isocyanate). Despite a preference for carbon bonding, the potential for N-bonding classifies it as ambidentate.

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