Question

The complex which does not show optical isomerism is

• A. cis-[Co(en)\(_2\)Cl\(_2\)]Cl
• B. cis-[CrCl\(_2\)(ox)\(_2\)]\(^{3-}\)
• C. cis-[CoCl\(_2\)(en)\(_2\)]\(^{2+}\)
• D. cis-[Co(NH\(_3\))\(_4\)Cl\(_2\)]\(^{+}\)

Hint:

Complexes with symmetrical ligands, such as chloride ions, do not exhibit optical isomerism, even in cis configurations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Optical isomerism is exhibited by complexes that are non-superimposable on their mirror images. For the given complexes: - The complex cis-[Co(en)\(_2\)Cl\(_2\)]Cl can show optical isomerism due to the bidentate nature of ethylenediamine (en), leading to non-superimposable mirror images.
- The complex cis-[CrCl\(_2\)(ox)\(_2\)]\(^{3-}\) shows optical isomerism because of the chelation with oxalate ions.
- cis-[CoCl\(_2\)(en)\(_2\)]\(^{2+}\) also exhibits optical isomerism. However, cis-[Co(NH\(_3\))\(_4\)Cl\(_2\)]\(^{+}\) does not show optical isomerism because of its symmetric nature with respect to the two chloride ions, which allows it to be superimposable on its mirror image.