Question #4fe0e

1 Answer
Kathryn Bell
Dec 1, 2017

No, #NH_3# does not show linkage isomerism.

Explanation:

Linkage isomerism occurs when a ligand in a coordination compound can connect to the metal in two or more different ways.

An example of this is #NO_2# which can connect to the metal via the oxygen atom or the nitrogen atom:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linkage_isomerism

Linkage isomerism usually occurs when there is more than one electronegative atom in a ligand. Since the metal centre is positively charged, both electronegative atoms can form electrostatic attraction with the metal centre.

Since #NH_3# only has one electronegative atom (nitrogen), and the electropositive hydrogen is not attracted to the positive metal centre, it does not show linkage isomerism.

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