Q34E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Predict whether the carbonate ligand \(C{O_3}^2\)- will coordinate to a metal center as a monodentate, bidentate, or tridentate ligand.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The ligands are molecules or ions which can donate pair of electrons to the metal ion. Ligands which contain only 1 donor atom are called unidentate ligands and other, which contain 2,3 , or more donor atoms are called bidentate, tridentate... ligands.

Step 1 : Analysation

• Let us have a look at the carbonate ligand which consists of \(1C\)and \(3O\)atoms which are arranged in trigonal planar geometry:

Step 2: Conclusion

• From the Lewis structure we can see that it exists as the hybrid of three resonating structures.
• Wecould also see that there are \(2\)electron donation sites present, which means \({\rm{CO}}_3^{2 - }\)is a bidentate ligand.

Result

\({\rm{CO}}_3^{2 - }\)is a bidentate ligand.