What Is a Bidentate Ligand Example?

Bidentate ligands have two donor atoms which allow them to bind to a central metal atom or ion at two points. Common examples of bidentate ligands are ethylenediamine (en), and the oxalate ion (ox).

What are bidentate ligands?

Bidentate ligands are Lewis bases that donate two pairs ("bi") of electrons to a metal atom. Bidentate ligands are often referred to as chelating ligands ("chelate" is derived from the Greek word for "claw") because they can "grab" a metal atom in two places.

What is an example of a ligand?

Ligand, in chemistry, any atom or molecule attached to a central atom, usually a metallic element, in a coordination or complex compound. Examples of common ligands are the neutral molecules water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and carbon monoxide (CO) and the anions cyanide (CN-), chloride (Cl-), and hydroxide (OH-). ...

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.