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ExamsJEE AdvancedChemistry

Which of the following is a pair of ambidentate ligands?

  1. CN⁻ and NO2⁻
  2. NO3⁻ and SCN⁻
  3. N3⁻ and NO2⁻
  4. NCS⁻ and C2O4²-

Correct answer: CN⁻ and NO2⁻

Solution

An ambidentate ligand is one that can coordinate to the metal through two different atoms. CN⁻ can bind via C (isocyanide linkage) or N (cyanide). NO2⁻ can bind via N (nitro: M-NO2) or O (nitrito: M-ONO). Both are therefore ambidentate ligands. SCN⁻ is also ambidentate (through S or N). NO3⁻ donates only through O, and C2O4²- donates through both O atoms but from the same functional group (it is a chelating but not ambidentate ligand). Option A (CN⁻ and NO2⁻) is the correct pair of ambidentate ligands.

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