multidentate ligand

chemistry

Also known as: polydentate ligand

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In chemistry, a multidentate ligand is a molecule or ion that attaches to a central metal atom in a coordination complex by forming bonds through more than one atom within the ligand. These ligands are also referred to as polydentate ligands.

Monodentate ligands attach to the central atom through a single atom.
Didentate ligands attach through two atoms.
Tridentate ligands attach through three atoms.

The formation of complexes with polydentate ligands is called chelation, and these chelates are often more stable than those formed with monodentate ligands. Common examples of ligands include neutral molecules like water (H₂O) and ammonia (NH₃), as well as anions such as cyanide (CN⁻) and chloride (Cl⁻).12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

coordination compound
Ligands and chelates
Because a polydentate ligand is joined to the metal atom in more than one place, the resulting complex is said to be cyclic—i.e., to contain a ring of atoms. Coordination compounds containing polydentate ligands are called chelates (from Greek chele, “claw”), and their formation is termed chelation.…
Read More
Because a polydentate ligand is joined to the metal atom in more than one place, the resulting complex is said to be cyclic—i.e., to contain a ring of atoms. Coordination compounds containing polydentate ligands are called chelates (from Greek chele, “claw”), and their formation is termed chelation.…
Read More