Both N2 and CO are considered sigma-donor and pi-acceptor. Their MO diagram is similar, so I wonder why CO binds generally more strongly and it is a more common ligand.
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related https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/93797/why-do-nitrogen-molecules-not-act-as-ligands-in-haemoglobin – Mithoron Aug 01 '19 at 22:45
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3Both the sigma HOMO and the pi LUMO of CO are polarised towards carbon - so the overlap with metal orbitals is much better – orthocresol Aug 01 '19 at 22:58
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I saw the link and the other question doesn't have an answer jet. I saw they asked about N2 and O2, I think it is a different explanation because N2 and O2 have very different MO instead N2 and CO are very similar – C.X.F. Aug 01 '19 at 22:59
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@orthocresol - do you mean that is because CO is polar? (2 different atoms) – C.X.F. Aug 01 '19 at 23:01
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The answer to the above question is attached.Read M.Tarr
– Dr. Rudra Sarkar
May 16 '21 at 09:38
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Even though it is basically the reversed explanation, it might still be helpful: How to rationalise with MO theory that CO is a two-electron donor through carbon? – Martin - マーチン May 16 '21 at 13:04
The answer to the above question is attached.Read M.Tarr
– Dr. Rudra Sarkar
May 16 '21 at 09:38