
LIGAND (Ligand-assisted coordination)
Ligand-assisted coordination involves a molecule called a ligand that binds to a metal atom or ion, helping it form a stable complex. The ligand has specific atoms, often containing lone pairs of electrons, that can donate electrons to the metal. This interaction stabilizes the metal and influences its chemical behavior. Ligands can be simple molecules like water or more complex structures. This process is crucial in many biological systems, catalysis, and material synthesis because it controls how metals react and participate in different chemical reactions. Essentially, ligands act as partners that help metals perform their functions more effectively.