Table of Contents
What is a Ligand? ;
A ligand is a molecule that binds to a metal ion to form a complex. The ligand can be an inorganic molecule or an organic molecule.
What is Ligand in Chemistry?
Ligands are atoms or molecules that bind to a central metal atom in a coordination compound. The ligands can be neutral or charged, and they often have fascinating shapes. The coordination compound forms because the metal atom can donate electrons to the ligands, forming a stable molecule.
Types of Ligands
There are many types of ligands, but some of the most common are:
Ionizing ligands: These ligands donate one or more electrons to the metal center, forming a metal-ion complex. Common examples include oxygen (O2−), nitrogen (N2), and chlorine (Cl−).
Non-ionizing ligands: These ligands do not donate electrons to the metal center, and instead form a chemical bond with the metal atom. Common examples include carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and sulfur (S).