In metal carbonyls, metal-ligand bonds possess both sigma and pi character. Comment, whetherthe given statement is correct. Give reason for your answer.

The given statement is correct. In metal carbonyls, the metal-ligand bonds possess both sigma and pi character.

Reason: Metal carbonyls are coordination compounds where carbon monoxide (CO) acts as a ligand. The bonding between the metal and the ligand occurs through the donation of electron pairs from the CO molecule to the metal center.

The sigma (σ) bond is formed by the overlap of the metal d-orbitals with the antibonding π* orbital of the CO ligand. This results in a strong, directional bond between the metal and the ligand.

Additionally, the pi (π) bond is formed by the overlap of the metal d-orbitals with the π orbital of the CO ligand. This bond is weaker and less directional compared to the sigma bond.

Therefore, in metal carbonyls, the metal-ligand bonds possess both sigma and pi character, contributing to the overall stability and unique properties of these compounds.