What is the difference between monodentate ligand and chelating (polydentate) ligand?
A monodentate ligand donates one pair from one atom (NH₃); a chelating ligand grips the metal at several points (EDTA, ethylenediamine), forming an extra-stable ring.
A monodentate ligand donates one pair from one atom (NH₃); a chelating ligand grips the metal at several points (EDTA, ethylenediamine), forming an extra-stable ring. A reliable way to keep them apart is to focus on what each one is defined by, not just the similar-sounding words.
Key point
monodentate ligand vs chelating (polydentate) ligand
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