Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Coordination Compounds  ·  NEET & JEE

Optical isomers in coordination chemistry (enantiomers) are non-superimposable mirror images. A classic example is:

Answer: [Co(en)3]3+ (tris-chelate).

  • A [Co(en)3]3+ (tris-chelate)
  • B [Co(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>6</sub>]3+ in the majority of cases studied
  • C [Ni(CN)4]2- as widely reported
  • D [CrCl6]3- in standard practice

Correct answer: A. [Co(en)3]3+ (tris-chelate)

Explanation: [Co(en)3]3+ is chiral (D and L forms); it lacks a plane, centre, or axis of improper rotation, giving non-superimposable mirror images.

Octahedralcoordination no. 6e.g. [Co(NH3)6]3+Tetrahedralcoordination no. 4e.g. [Ni(CO)4]Square Planarcoordination no. 4e.g. [Pt(NH3)2Cl2]

The three common coordination geometries: octahedral (6 ligands), tetrahedral (4 ligands), and square planar (4 ligands in one plane).

Concept context

Study of compounds where a central metal atom is bonded to surrounding ligands. Covers nomenclature, types of isomerism, bonding theories (VBT, CFT), and applications in medicine, photography, and industry.

Read the full Coordination Compounds notes →