Final answer:
The oxalate ion is a bidentate ligand and thus a polydentate ligand, as it can bind through two donor atoms to a central metal ion; in contrast, water, ammonia, and chloride ions are monodentate ligands with only one donor atom. So the correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the options provided, the polydentate ligand is b. oxalate ion. Polydentate ligands can attach to a central metal ion at multiple bonding sites. The oxalate ion is a bidentate ligand, which means it has two donor atoms that can both bond with a central metal ion in a coordination complex. Other examples of polydentate ligands include ethylenediamine (en) and the anion of the acid glycine, both of which are also bidentate ligands. On the other hand, water (a.), ammonia (c.), and the chloride ion (d.) are monodentate ligands, meaning they have only one donor atom available to bond with the central metal ion.