Question

Write the structures of any two chelating ligands.

Illustrate chelating ligands with a suitable example.

Answer 1

1. Ethylenediamine (H₂N–CH₂–CH₂–NH₂): It is a bidentate ligand, meaning it has two nitrogen atoms, each with a lone pair, that can bind to metal ions.
   
   The two nitrogen (N) atoms are the donor atoms that can coordinate to the central metal ion.
2. Oxalate Ion (\[\ce{C2O^2-_4}\]): The oxalate ion consists of two carboxylate groups (–COO) linked by a central oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is a shared donor atom in the structure.
   
   The two oxygen atoms (one from each carboxylate group) can coordinate to a central metal ion, forming a stable chelate ring.