Question

Among the following, which are ambidentate ligands?
(i) $SC{N}^{-}$
(ii) $N{O}_3^{-}$
(iii) $N{O}_2^{-}$
(iv) $C_2{O}_4^{2-}$

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (i) and (iv)
• C. (ii) and (iii)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Ambidentate ligand has two or more donor atoms, but during complex formation, only one donor atom is attached to central metal.
$SC{N}^{-}$ ion has donor atoms $N$ and $S$.
It links to metal as either $M-SCN$ or $M-NCS$ .
$N{O}_2^{-}$group has donor atoms $N$ and $O$.
It links to metal as either $M-ONO$ or $M-N{O}_2$.