Which of the following is an ambidentate ligand?

Options

A. `NH_(3)`
B. `H_(2)O`
C. `SCoverset(-)N`
D. `N^(-)`

Answer

To determine which of the following is an ambidentate ligand, we need to understand what an ambidentate ligand is. Ambidentate ligands are those that can bind to a central metal atom at two different sites. Let's analyze the given options step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Ambidentate Ligands
Ambidentate ligands are capable of coordinating to a metal through two different atoms or sites. This means that they can form bonds with the metal ion from more than one location.

**Hint:** Remember that ambidentate ligands have two different atoms that can attach to the metal center.

### Step 2: Analyze the Given Ligands
Now, let's consider the options provided:

1. **Ammonia (NH₃)**:
- Ammonia has a nitrogen atom with a lone pair that can coordinate to a metal.
- It can only bind through the nitrogen atom, making it a unidentate ligand.

**Hint:** Look for ligands that have only one atom capable of binding.

2. **Water (H₂O)**:
- Water has two lone pairs on the oxygen atom, but it can only coordinate through the oxygen atom.
- Thus, it is also a unidentate ligand.

**Hint:** Check if the ligand has multiple atoms that can bind to the metal.

3. **Thiocyanate (SCN⁻)**:
- Thiocyanate can bind through either the sulfur atom or the nitrogen atom.
- This means it has two potential binding sites, making it an ambidentate ligand.

**Hint:** Identify ligands that can coordinate through more than one atom.

4. **Nitride (N³⁻)**:
- Nitride has only one nitrogen atom that can coordinate to the metal.
- Therefore, it is a unidentate ligand.

**Hint:** Consider if the ligand has only one site for binding.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the only ligand that can bind through two different atoms is thiocyanate (SCN⁻). Therefore, the correct answer is:

**Thiocyanate (SCN⁻) is the ambidentate ligand.**

### Final Answer:
The ambidentate ligand among the given options is **Thiocyanate (SCN⁻)**.