The ligands are the atoms of groups of atoms bound to the central metal atom / ion. The atom in a ligand that is bound directly to the central metal atom is known as a donor atom.
Ligands are of 5 types:
1. Cationic ligand – e.g., NH2 – NH3+ Hydrazinium
2. Anionic ligand – e.g., Br Bromido
3. Neutral ligand – e.g., H2O Aqua
4. Mono dendate ligand – A ligand can be connected by one coordinate bond, e.g – F fluorido
5. Ambidendate ligand – A ligand can be connected by more than one coordinate mode.
- e.g., – NCS iso thio cyanato (KN)
- – SCN thio cyanato (KS)