Question

What makes a good ligand?

Answer 1

Ligand:

1. A ligand is an ion or molecule that forms a coordination complex by donating a pair of electrons to the central metal atom or ion.
2. Anions, cations, and neutral substances can all be used as ligands.

Good ligands:

1. Lewis bases are ligands with a lower electronegativity, making them more powerful and hence considered good ligands.
2. As a result, ligands containing oxygen or halogen donors are weak field ligands, while those containing Nitrogen or Carbon atoms are strong field ligands.

Hence, the substances with lower electronegativity and having Nitrogen and Carbon donors are good ligands.