NEET2026ChemistryCoordination CompoundsActual
Which one of the following is an ambidentate ligand ?
Options
- AEthane- 1,2 -diamine
- BEthylenediaminetetraacetate ion
- CThiocyanate
- DOxalate
Correct answer
C. Thiocyanate
Step-by-step solution
An ambidentate ligand is a unidentate ligand that has more than one donor atom but coordinates to the central metal atom or ion through only one donor atom at a time. Thiocyanate ion ( SCN⁻ or NCS⁻ ) has two donor atoms, sulfur ( S ) and nitrogen ( N ). It can bind to the metal through either the sulfur atom (thiocyanato) or the nitrogen atom (isothiocyanato). Thus, it is an ambidentate ligand. Ethane- 1,2 -diamine is a bidentate ligand. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate ion is a hexadentate ligand. Oxalate is a bidentat