Question

Which of the following can behave as a chelating agent?

a. CO

b. C₂O₄²⁻

c. CN⁻

d. NH₃

Answer 1

Solution :

Chelating agent are chemical compound or a organic molecule that coordinate with metal ions by two or more coordinate bond to form a stable, water soluble complex.

The most relevant answer is (b).

C₂O₄^2- is oxalate. It is bidentate and have two donor atoms, which allow them to bind to a cental metal ion at two points to form a stable complex.

Option (a) carbon monoxie (CO) , option (c) cyanide (CN^-) and option (d) ammonia (NH₃) are monodentate ligand which allow them to bind to the center metal ion at one point or through only one atom.