Question

What is the number of donor atoms in dimethylglyoximato ligand
a) 1
b)2
c)3
d)4
I need a proper explanation, not just the answer. Please. Thank you.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is Option 2.

Explanation:

Dimethylglyoxime ligand is a bidendate ligand having chemical formula of $CH_3C(NOH)C(NOH)CH_3$. It is commonly written as DMG.

Bidentate ligand is defined as the ligand in which two atoms directly coordinate to the metal atom or in which ligands donate 2 pairs of electrons to the metal atom.

The structure of DMG and its reaction with nickel ion to form a red precipitate of $Ni(DMG)_2$ complex is given in the image attached below.

The two coordination sites in this ligand are 2-N atoms.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, (b) 2

Explanation :

Depending on the number of donor atoms of a ligand coordinated to the central metallic atom, the ligands have been classified as, Monodentate and Polydentate.

(1) Monodentate : The ligands which have only one donor atom.

(2) Polydentate : The ligands which have more that one donor atom. These may be bidentate, tridentate, tetradentate and so on.

Bidentate ligands : Bidentate ligands have two lone pairs and both of which can bond to the central metal ion. Bidentate ligands may be neutral molecules or anions.

The given ligand is, dimethylglyoximato

Dimethylglyoximato ligand is a bidentate ligand. That means the number of donor atoms are, 2

The structure of dimethylglyoximato ligand are shown below.