What is meant by unidentate, didentate and ambidentate ligands? Give two examples for each.
(i) Unidentate The negative ion or neutral molecule having only one donor atom is called unidentate ligand e.g.,
(ii) Bidentate (or didentate) The ions or molecules having two donor
atoms are called bidentate ligands. e.g,
oxalate ion,
ethylene diamine (en).
(iii) Ambidentate Ligand which can ligate through two different atoms is called ambidentate ligand. e.g., NO−2,SCN− ions.NO−2 ion can coordinate either through nitrogen or through oxygen to a central metal atom/ion. Similarly, SCN− ion can coordinate through the sulphur or nitrogen atom.
(where, M = metal atom)