Donor atom

Definition

A donor atom is an atom in a ligand that donates a pair of electrons to a central metal atom or ion, forming a coordinate bond. Donor atoms are essential in the formation of coordination complexes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Donor atoms are typically found in ligands that form coordinate bonds with transition metals.
2. The most common donor atoms include nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.
3. The number of donor atoms in a ligand determines its denticity, which affects the stability of the coordination complex.
4. Chelating ligands have multiple donor atoms that can form several bonds with a single metal ion, increasing complex stability.
5. In polydentate ligands, multiple donor atoms can bind to the same central metal ion.

Review Questions

• What role does a donor atom play in the formation of coordination complexes?
• Name three common elements that can act as donor atoms.
• How does the number of donor atoms in a ligand affect its denticity?

Related terms

Ligand: A molecule or ion that binds to a central metal atom to form a coordination complex.

Coordinate Bond: A type of covalent bond where both electrons shared in the bond originate from the same atom, typically from a donor atom.

Chelate: A complex formed when a polydentate ligand binds to a central metal ion through multiple coordinate bonds.