Editing Ligand (section)

===Metal–ligand multiple bond===
{{Main|Metal–ligand multiple bond}}

Some ligands can bond to a metal center through the same atom but with a different number of [[lone pair]]s. The [[bond order]] of the metal ligand bond can be in part distinguished through the metal ligand [[bond angle]] (M−X−R). This bond angle is often referred to as being linear or bent with further discussion concerning the degree to which the angle is bent. For example, an imido ligand in the ionic form has three lone pairs. One lone pair is used as a sigma X donor, the other two lone pairs are available as L-type pi donors. If both lone pairs are used in pi bonds then the M−N−R geometry is linear. However, if one or both these lone pairs is nonbonding then the M−N−R bond is bent and the extent of the bend speaks to how much pi bonding there may be. ''η''<sup>1</sup>-Nitric oxide can coordinate to a metal center in linear or bent manner.