What is a bidentate ligand?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a definition and explanation of the term 'bidentate ligand', which is a concept in coordination chemistry referring to a ligand that can form two bonds with a central metal atom or ion.
Answer
Bidentate ligands are Lewis bases donating two pairs of electrons to a metal atom.
The final answer is bidentate ligands are Lewis bases that donate two pairs of electrons to a metal atom.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is bidentate ligands are Lewis bases that donate two pairs of electrons to a metal atom.
More Information
Bidentate ligands can 'grab' a metal atom in two places, forming stable ring structures known as chelates.
Tips
Avoid confusing bidentate ligands with monodentate ligands, which have only one donor atom.
Sources
- Bidentate Ligands - Unacademy - unacademy.com
- Ligands - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Bidentate ligands in self-assembly: Synthesis, structure and ... - sciencedirect.com