How do we know that en ligand is bidentate? In general, how do we know if a ligand is monodentate or bidentate?
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en ligand
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Re: en ligand
If you write out the formula of en, C₂H₄(NH₂)₂, you'll see that there are two nitrogens in this molecule. Since nitrogen tends to form three bonds and have one lone pair of electrons, we know that these electrons will be used during bonding with other molecules. Therefore, because there are two nitrogens, we know that two bonds can be formed. The great thing about this molecule is that if you draw out its Lewis structure, you'll see that there is a spacer between the nitrogens so that a loop can be formed (this is a chelating ligand). Other molecules who may have multiple lone pairs may not have this spacer, and as a result cannot form more than one bond. However, en possesses all the qualities of a bidentate chelating ligand, because of its two nitrogens. Hope this helped!
Re: en ligand
A ligand is polydentate if it can bind to the metal in multiple places through a coordinate covalent bond. If you draw the Lewis Structure of a ligand, you just have to look for lone pairs on different atoms. The places where atoms have lone pairs is usually a spot where the metal can bind to.
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