In Class 12 Coordination Chemistry, a ligand is an atom, ion, or molecule that donates a lone pair of electrons to the central metal ion. An Ambidentate Ligand is a special type that can bond to the metal through two different donor atoms.
Definition: Can donate electron pair through two different atoms.
Key Example 1: SCN⁻ (through S or N).
Key Example 2: NO₂⁻ (through N or O).
Result: Gives rise to Linkage Isomerism.
An ambidentate ligand has two potential donor atoms but bonds through only one at a time.
Example 1: Thiocyanate ion (SCN⁻)
Example 2: Nitrite ion (NO₂⁻)
Because ambidentate ligands can coordinate through either atom, they give rise to linkage isomers — two different coordination compounds with the same formula but different bonding. Example: [Co(NH₃)₅(NO₂)]Cl₂ and [Co(NH₃)₅(ONO)]Cl₂.
An ambidentate ligand can bond to the central metal ion through two different donor atoms. Example: SCN⁻ can bond through S or N.
Linkage isomerism arises when an ambidentate ligand coordinates through different atoms in two compounds with the same formula.
Electronic Configuration of Copper (Cu) — Exception to Aufbau Principle
Copper (Cu, Z=29) has electronic configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹, not [Ar] 3d⁹ 4s². It is an Aufbau exception due to extra stability of fully filled d-orbitals. Full config: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s¹.
Electronic Configuration of First 30 Elements
Electronic configuration of first 30 elements: H to Zn. Full table with atomic number, element name, symbol, and electron configuration in shell and orbital notation.
Electronic Configuration of Scandium (Sc)
Learn the exact electronic configuration of Scandium (Sc, Atomic Number 21). Understand the Aufbau principle, the Argon core, and the 4s/3d orbital filling order.
Electronic Configuration of Sulphur (S)
Learn the electronic configuration of Sulphur (S). Atomic number 16. Understand how electrons are arranged in shells (2,8,6) and orbital notation (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4).
Elements 1 to 30 — Complete List with Names, Symbols and Key Facts
Complete list of elements 1 to 30: H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn with names, symbols and properties.
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.