JEE Main · 2016 · 03 Apr 2016 · Offline · Coordination Compounds

Which one of the following complexes shows optical isomerism?
(en = ethylenediamine)

(A)cis $[Co (en)_{2} Cl_{2}] Cl$ ✓ Correct
(B)trans $[Co (en)_{2} Cl_{2}] Cl$
(C) $[Co (NH_{3})_{4} Cl_{2}] Cl$
(D) $[Co (NH_{3})_{3} Cl_{3}]$

Answer: (A)

Solution

Optical isomerism needs a complex with no plane or centre of symmetry, so that it and its mirror image cannot be superimposed. In cis-

[Co (en) X_{2} Cl X_{2}]^{+}

the two chelating ethylenediamine rings and the two cis chlorides leave no symmetry plane, so the ion is chiral and shows optical isomerism. The trans isomer and the ammine complexes all keep a symmetry plane and are optically inactive.

JEE Main · 2016 · 03 Apr 2016 · Offline · Single correct option

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