Why is water classed as a monodentate when it has 2 lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen. Why does it not act as a bidentate ligand?
Corrie writes ….. It’s all a matter of angles, and therefore the overlap possible between the oribitals containing the lone pairs on O in water and suitable empty orbitals on the metal ion. The two lone pairs on O are approximately tetrahedrally directed in space, so when one lone pair forms a dative (coordinate) bond to the metal ion, it is very difficult for the other lone pair to form another strong dative (coordinate) bond to the metal ion as well, with an angle of 90 degrees between the two bonds from the metal ion. Bidentate ligands usually have 2 other atoms between the two lone pair donating atoms, e.g. H2NCH2CH2NH2, so that the two lone pairs can ‘approach’ the metal ion from the directions required to form two strong dative bonds at 90 degrees to each other. Risk assessment Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate
