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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Coordination Compounds  ·  NEET & JEE

Which of the following octahedral complexes shows optical isomerism?

Answer: [Co(en)2Cl2]+ (cis form is chiral).

  • A [Co(en)2Cl2]+ (cis form is chiral)
  • B [Co(NH3)6]3+, a perfectly symmetric homoleptic complex with a plane of symmetry
  • C [CoCl6]3-, a perfectly symmetric homoleptic complex with a plane of symmetry
  • D trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+, which possesses an internal mirror plane and is achiral

Correct answer: A. [Co(en)2Cl2]+ (cis form is chiral)

Explanation: The cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ has no plane of symmetry and shows Delta (right-handed) and Lambda (left-handed) enantiomers. The trans form has a plane of symmetry and is achiral.

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.

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