Question:

The complex that can show optical activity is :

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Optical activity needs no plane/centre of symmetry: octahedral \(\mathrm{M(AA)_2b_2}\) in the cis form is chiral.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • cis-\(\mathrm{[Fe(NH_3)_2(CN)_4]^-}\)
  • trans-\(\mathrm{[Cr(Cl_2)(ox)_2]^{3-}}\)
  • trans-\(\mathrm{[Fe(NH_3)_2(CN)_4]^-}\)
  • cis-\(\mathrm{[CrCl_2(ox)_2]^{3-}}\) (ox = oxalate)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Octahedral \(\mathrm{[Ma_4b_2]}\) complexes (options 1 and 3) have a plane of symmetry in both cis and trans forms, so they are optically inactive.
Trans-\(\mathrm{[Cr(Cl_2)(ox)_2]^{3-}}\) has a plane of symmetry, so it is inactive.
Cis-\(\mathrm{[CrCl_2(ox)_2]^{3-}}\) is of the type \(\mathrm{[M(AA)_2b_2]}\) with the two Cl cis; it has no plane or centre of symmetry, and its mirror image is non-superimposable (\(\Delta\) and \(\Lambda\) forms).
Answer: (4) cis-\(\mathrm{[CrCl_2(ox)_2]^{3-}}\)
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