Which of the following is a necessary characteristic of a ligand?
A)A ligand must be an anion.
B)A ligand must be an ion.
C)A ligand must be a Lewis base.
D)A ligand must be bidentate.
E)A ligand must be a Lewis acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A ligand is a molecule or ion that can donate a pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with a metal ion. Therefore, a necessary characteristic of a ligand is that it must be a Lewis base, which is a molecule or ion with an electron pair available for bonding. Choices A and B are incorrect because not all ligands are ions, and not all ligands are anions. Choice D is incorrect because not all ligands are bidentate, meaning they do not all have two donor sites. Choice E is incorrect because ligands cannot be Lewis acids, which are electron pair acceptors.

Which of the Following Is a Necessary Characteristic of a Ligand