Question

Is ${\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ ambidentate?

Answer 1

1. Ambidentate Ligand: This type of ligand has two or more two donor atoms but during complex formation, only one donor atom is attached to the metal atom. For example ${\mathrm{SO}}_3^{2-}$,${\mathrm{CN}}^{-}$.
2. Bidentate Ligand: Bidentate Ligands are those ligands that can donate two lone pairs of electrons to the central metal atom during complex formation. For example ethylenediamine (en), and the oxalate ion (ox)
3. ${\mathbf{S}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ is bidentate ligand because it is capable of bonding with oxygen and sulphur.

Hence, ${\mathrm{S}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ is not an ambidentate ligand.