Question

Identify neutral ligand from following.

• A. Ammine
• B. Nitrato
• C. Cyano
• D. Chloro

Hint:

Logic Tip: In IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds, anionic ligands typically end in "-o" (like chloro, cyano, sulfato, nitrato), whereas neutral ligands generally retain their normal molecular names, with a few special exceptions like "aqua" ($H_2O$), "ammine" ($NH_3$), and "carbonyl" ($CO$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Ligands are classified based on their electrical charge into three categories: neutral, anionic (negative), and cationic (positive). Neutral ligands are molecules that do not carry any net electrical charge but have one or more lone pairs of electrons to donate.
Step 1: Analyze the charge of anionic ligands in the options.
Let's evaluate the formulas and standard states of the given options:

• Nitrato: Refers to the nitrate ion, $NO_3^-$. It carries a $-1$ charge.
• Cyano: Refers to the cyanide ion, $CN^-$. It carries a $-1$ charge.
• Chloro: Refers to the chloride ion, $Cl^-$. It carries a $-1$ charge.

All of these are anionic (negatively charged) ligands.
Step 2: Analyze the Ammine ligand.

• Ammine: Refers to the ammonia molecule, $NH_3$.

Ammonia is a stable, discrete molecule with no net electrical charge. It acts as a ligand by donating the lone pair of electrons present on the central nitrogen atom. Thus, it is a neutral ligand.