Write the IUPAC name of [Co(en)$_2$Cl$_2$]Cl and draw the structures of all the isomers of this complex.

Dichloridobis(ethane-1,2-diamine)cobalt(III) chloride; isomers: trans (achiral) and cis, the cis existing as a pair of optical isomers (d and l) — three stereoisomers in all.

CBSE Class 12 · 2004 · Delhi · Coordination CompoundsShort Answer

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Write the IUPAC name of [Co(en)

_{2}

_{2}

]Cl and draw the structures of all the isomers of this complex.

Solution

Name: \textbf{dichloridobis(ethane-1,2-diamine)cobalt(III) chloride}.
The octahedral cation [Co(en)

_{2}

_{2}

]

^{+}

exists as:

\textit{trans}-isomer — Cl $^{-}$ at opposite apices, the two en rings in the equatorial plane; it has a plane of symmetry (optically inactive).
\textit{cis}-isomer — Cl $^{-}$ on adjacent positions; this form is chiral and exists as two non-superimposable mirror images (d- and l-enantiomers).

Total: three stereoisomers (trans + the cis enantiomeric pair).

CBSE Class 12 Board · 2004 · Delhi · Subjective

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CBSE Class 12 · 2004 · Delhi · Coordination CompoundsShort Answer

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