monodentates

Monodentate is a term used in chemistry, particularly in coordination chemistry, to describe a ligand that can form only one coordinate bond with a central metal atom. The word "mono" means one, and "dentate" refers to the "teeth" or points of attachment a ligand has to a metal center. Therefore, a monodentate ligand attaches to the metal through a single atom.

Common examples of monodentate ligands include simple molecules like water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Ions like chloride (Cl-), cyanide (CN-), and hydroxide (OH-) are also monodentate ligands. The atom within the ligand that donates its electron pair to the metal is typically a heteroatom such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or a halogen. The strength of the bond formed and the properties of the resulting coordination complex depend on the nature of the metal and the specific monodentate ligand.

In contrast to monodentate ligands, polydentate ligands can bind to a metal center at multiple points. For instance, a bidentate ligand binds at two points, and a tridentate ligand binds at three. The behavior of monodentate ligands is generally simpler to predict and understand compared to polydentate ligands, which can form chelate rings, often leading to increased stability of the complex. The study of monodentate ligands is fundamental to understanding the formation and structure of coordination compounds.