Ligand substitution is a type of reaction in coordination chemistry where one ligand in a metal complex is replaced by another ligand.
- A ligand is a molecule or ion that attaches to a central metal atom through donation of electrons (like water, ammonia, or chloride).
- In substitution, the incoming ligand takes the place of the existing ligand attached to the metal.
Example (simple idea):
If a metal complex has water molecules around it, and ammonia is added, some or all of the water ligands may be replaced by ammonia ligands.
In short: Ligand substitution = swapping one ligand for another in a metal complex.