Question

How are ligands classified on the basis of charge? Give suitable examples.

Answer 1

Ligands are classified on the basis of charge:

1. Neutral ligands: These ligands are electrically neutral. These are typically molecular entities with one or more lone pairs of electrons. 
   For example, H₂O (water), NH₃ (ammonia), CO (carbonyl) and NO (nitrosyl).
2. Anionic ligands: These ligands are negatively charged. These anionic entities have one or more lone pairs of electrons.
   For example, Cl⁻ (chloride), CN⁻ (cyanide), OH⁻ (hydroxide) and SCN⁻ (thiocyanate).
3. Cationic ligands: Positively charged ligands are infrequently found in complexes.
   For example, NO⁺ (nitrosonium) and N₂H₅⁺ (hydrazinium).