Question:

Identify the correct set containing only ambidentate ligands.

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The most frequently asked ambidentate ligands are \(NO_2^-\), \(CN^-\), and \(SCN^-\).
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • \(NO_2^-,\, CN^-,\, SCN^-\)
  • \(NH_3,\, CN^-,\, C_2O_4^{2-}\)
  • \(SO_4^{2-},\, SCN^-,\, CO\)
  • \(C_2O_4^{2-},\, (CH_3)_3P,\, CO\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: An ambidentate ligand can coordinate through two different donor atoms, but only one donor atom binds at a time.

Step 1: Examine option (A) \[ NO_2^- \rightarrow \text{binds through N or O} \] \[ CN^- \rightarrow \text{binds through C or N} \] \[ SCN^- \rightarrow \text{binds through S or N} \] All are ambidentate ligands.

Step 2: Examine remaining options \(NH_3\) is monodentate. \(C_2O_4^{2-}\) is bidentate. \(CO\) is not considered ambidentate in this context. Hence these options are incorrect. \[ \boxed{NO_2^-,\, CN^-,\, SCN^-} \]
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