Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: Coordination Compounds

Question:

Which of the following is an ambidentate ligand?

Options:

NH3

H2O

SCN-

H2N-CH2-CH2-NH2

Correct Answer:

SCN-

Explanation:

The correct answer is OPTION 3 - SCN-

An ambidentate ligand is a ligand that can coordinate to a metal ion through two different atoms, but only one at a time.

  1. NH₃

    • Monodentate ligand

    • Can donate a lone pair only through nitrogen
        Not ambidentate

  2. H₂O

    • Monodentate

    • Donates lone pair through oxygen
        Not ambidentate

  3. SCN⁻ (Thiocyanate ion)

    • Ambidentate ligand

    • Can bind through either sulfur (S) or nitrogen (N)

  4. H₂N–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂ (Ethylenediamine)

    • Bidentate ligand

    • Coordinates through two nitrogen atoms simultaneously
        Not ambidentate