Question:

Which molecule/ion among the following cannot act as a ligand in complex compounds?

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A ligand needs a lone pair (or pi electrons) to donate; methane has none.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{CN^-}\)
  • \(\mathrm{CH_4}\)
  • CO
  • \(\mathrm{Br^-}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

A ligand must have at least one lone pair (or pi electrons) to donate to the metal.
\(\mathrm{CN^-}\) (lone pair on C), CO (lone pair on C, also a pi-acceptor) and \(\mathrm{Br^-}\) (lone pairs) are all common ligands.
\(\mathrm{CH_4}\) has only four C-H bonding pairs, no lone pair and no pi electrons, so it cannot donate electrons to a metal.
Answer: (2) \(\mathrm{CH_4}\)
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