Ligand substitution
What Ligand substitution means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Ligand substitution
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 substitution in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A reaction in which the ligands bonded to a metal ion are replaced by other ligands, occurring stepwise, and the metal ion's oxidation state does not change.
A step in which water replaces the chloride ligands because of the relatively low concentration of chloride in the body, producing a reactive aqua species.
A process in which excess ligand replaces water ligands with hydroxide or ammonia ligands, forming soluble complex ions.
A reaction in which the chloride ligands leave and a nitrogen atom of guanine attacks the platinum in their place.
A reaction in which one ligand in a complex is replaced by another ligand.
The replacement of one ligand in a complex ion by another ligand.
Topics that use Ligand substitution
- Action of anticancer drugs (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Transition elements (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Balanced ionic equations for precipitation
- Balancing complex half-equations
- bidentate ligands
- Bidentate ligands giving octahedral complexes
- Bond angles and shape prediction
- Boundary cases scandium and zinc
- Calculating oxidation state from a formula
- Catalytic behaviour of transition metals and their compounds
Using Ligand substitution 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