In chemistry, ligands are molecules or ions that can form coordination complexes with a central metal atom or ion via coordinate covalent bonds. Ligands typically have one or more atoms with lone pairs of electrons that can donate to the metal ion, forming a coordination bond. Ligands play a crucial role in the stability and reactivity of coordination complexes, and they can greatly influence the properties of the resulting complex. Different types of ligands, such as monodentate, bidentate, and polydentate ligands, can bind to metal ions in various ways, leading to different coordination geometries and structures. Ligands are widely studied in the field of coordination chemistry, where researchers investigate their synthesis, structure, bonding interactions, and effects on the properties of metal complexes.