Question

Identify the set which does not have ambidentate ligand(s).

• A. \( \text{NO}_2^-, \text{CN}^-, \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \)
• B. \( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}, \text{H}_2\text{O}, \text{SO}_4^{2-} \)
• C. \( \text{SCN}^-, \text{NH}_3, \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- \)
• D. \( \text{CN}^-, \text{SCN}^-, \text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2 \)

Hint:

Ambidentate ligands can bind through two different atoms but only one at a time. Examples include \( \text{CN}^- \), \( \text{NO}_2^- \), and \( \text{SCN}^- \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Explanation:

Ambidentate ligands can coordinate to a metal center through two different atoms (donor sites).

• \( \text{CN}^- \) and \( \text{NO}_2^- \) are classic ambidentate ligands (can bind via C or N, and N or O respectively).
• \( \text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} \) is a bidentate ligand, not ambidentate.
• \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) and \( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \) bind through a single type of atom, and are not ambidentate.

Therefore, only option (2) contains no ambidentate ligand.

Final Answer:

2