NEETChemistryCoordination Compounds
The nitrite ion ( NO₂^- ) is classified as an ambidentate ligand. Which of the following statements correctly describes the reason for this classification?
Options
- AIt possesses two different donor atoms but coordinates to the central metal ion through only one at a time.
- BIt possesses two donor atoms and coordinates through both of them simultaneously.
- CIt coordinates to the central metal ion in a way that forms a stable chelate ring.
- DIt acts as a bridging ligand by coordinating to two different central metal ions simultaneously.
Correct answer
A. It possesses two different donor atoms but coordinates to the central metal ion through only one at a time.
Step-by-step solution
An ambidentate ligand is a unidentate ligand that contains more than one coordinating atom but coordinates through only one donor atom at a time. The nitrite ion ( NO₂^- ) has two potential donor atoms: nitrogen and oxygen. It can bind to a metal ion either through the nitrogen atom (forming a nitro complex) or through the oxygen atom (forming a nitrito complex), but not both simultaneously. Coordinating through two atoms simultaneously or forming a chelate ring is characteristic of bidentate or polydentate ligands