Polydentate Ligands' Effects on Coordination Compounds

[Alexander Chao 1L]

Hi. I have a question on polydentate ligands and am hoping to get some more clarification on here. When we use polydentate ligands compared to monodentate ligands, how would that affect the way our coordination compound functions, works, or looks? How would that affect how the ligand bonds to the transitional metal cation? Thank you ;)

[Riya Agrawal]

Polydentate ligands bind to a metal cation through multiple donor atoms, forming more stable and rigid coordination compounds compared to monodentate ligands, which only use one donor atom. This enhances the stability (chelate effect), changes the geometry, and often affects the reactivity and functionality of the coordination complex.