Question

The oxidation number of the central metal ion in a coordination entity is the charge it would carry if all the _________ are removed along with the electron pairs that are shared with it.

(a) lewis acids

(b) anions

(c) ligands

(d) didentate ligands

The question was asked during an online exam.

The doubt is from Definitions topic in chapter Coordination Compounds of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) ligands

For explanation I would say: The oxidation number or primary valence of a central atom is its charge if all the ligands and its donor atoms are not present in the coordination entity.