NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate ( EDTA ⁴⁻ ) is a widely used ligand in coordination chemistry. Which of the following correctly describes its denticity and the nature of its donor atoms?
Options
- AHexadentate; two nitrogen and four oxygen donor atoms
- BHexadentate; four nitrogen and two oxygen donor atoms
- CTetradentate; two nitrogen and two oxygen donor atoms
- DTetradentate; four oxygen donor atoms
Correct answer
A. Hexadentate; two nitrogen and four oxygen donor atoms
Step-by-step solution
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate ( EDTA ⁴⁻ ) is a hexadentate ligand. Its chemical structure is ( ^-OOC-CH₂ )₂ N-CH₂-CH₂-N ( CH₂-COO^- )₂ . It coordinates to a central metal ion through six donor atoms: two nitrogen atoms (each having a lone pair of electrons) and four oxygen atoms (from the four acetate groups). Answer: Hexadentate; two nitrogen and four oxygen donor atoms