Ligand
What Ligand means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Ligand
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Ligand in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
An ion or molecule that donates one or more lone pairs of electrons to a central metal ion or metal atom.
A molecule or ion that forms a co-ordinate bond with a transition metal by donating a pair of electrons.
A molecule or ion that donates a lone pair of electrons to form a co-ordinate bond with a central metal ion.
Topics that use Ligand
- General properties of transition metals (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Transition elements (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- bidentate ligands
- Monodentate ligands
- ammonia tests
- Balanced ionic equations for precipitation
- Balancing complex half-equations
- Bidentate ligands giving octahedral complexes
- Bond angles and shape prediction
- Boundary cases scandium and zinc
Using Ligand in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge