- #1
CrimpJiggler
- 149
- 1
I read that all ligands are Lewis bases but I then read that the number of anionic ligands attached to a metal will determine its oxidation state. Which is it? Let's use chlorine as an example. Before this ligand binds to the metal is it a Cl- ion or a neutral Cl atom? If its the former I can see how its a Lewis base because it provides both electrons for the bond. Conversely I don't see how it could "raise" the oxidation state of the metal if its actually bonded as a Lewis base. If its the latter (if its a neutral Cl atom) then I can see how it raises the oxidation state of the metal by 1 but I don't see how its a Lewis base.
So to summarise the question, what are anionic ligands? Are they anions from the start or do they become anions by taking an electron from the metal?
So to summarise the question, what are anionic ligands? Are they anions from the start or do they become anions by taking an electron from the metal?