Question:
Which of the following coordination compounds exhibits optical isomerism?
Which of the following coordination compounds exhibits optical isomerism?
Show Hint
In coordination chemistry, octahedral complexes containing bidentate ligands such as \(en\), oxalate \((C_2O_4^{2-})\), or similar chelating ligands are the most common examples of optical isomerism.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
- \([Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+\)
- \([Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+\)
- \([Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^{2+}\)
- \([Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+}\)
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Optical isomerism arises when a molecule is chiral, meaning it is not superimposable on its mirror image. In coordination chemistry, optical isomerism is commonly observed in octahedral complexes containing bidentate ligands such as ethylenediamine (\(en\)).
Such complexes can exist as two non-superimposable mirror images known as enantiomers.
Step 1: Examine Option (A) \[ [Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+ \] This complex exhibits geometrical isomerism (cis and trans forms). However, both forms possess symmetry elements that make them achiral. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{No optical isomerism}} \]
Step 2: Examine Option (B) \[ [Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ \] The ligand \(en\) (ethylenediamine) is a bidentate ligand and forms chelate rings with the metal ion. The cis form of this octahedral complex lacks a plane of symmetry and exists as two non-superimposable mirror images. Therefore, the complex exhibits optical isomerism. \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Active}} \]
Step 3: Examine Option (C) \[ [Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^{2+} \] This complex possesses considerable symmetry and does not form optical isomers. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Inactive}} \]
Step 4: Examine Option (D) \[ [Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+} \] All six ligands are identical. The complex possesses a high degree of symmetry and therefore cannot exhibit chirality. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Inactive}} \]
Step 5: Final Conclusion Among the given compounds, only \[ [Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ \] can exist as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images. Therefore, it exhibits optical isomerism. \[ \boxed{\text{Option (B)}} \]
Step 1: Examine Option (A) \[ [Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+ \] This complex exhibits geometrical isomerism (cis and trans forms). However, both forms possess symmetry elements that make them achiral. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{No optical isomerism}} \]
Step 2: Examine Option (B) \[ [Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ \] The ligand \(en\) (ethylenediamine) is a bidentate ligand and forms chelate rings with the metal ion. The cis form of this octahedral complex lacks a plane of symmetry and exists as two non-superimposable mirror images. Therefore, the complex exhibits optical isomerism. \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Active}} \]
Step 3: Examine Option (C) \[ [Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^{2+} \] This complex possesses considerable symmetry and does not form optical isomers. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Inactive}} \]
Step 4: Examine Option (D) \[ [Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+} \] All six ligands are identical. The complex possesses a high degree of symmetry and therefore cannot exhibit chirality. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Optically Inactive}} \]
Step 5: Final Conclusion Among the given compounds, only \[ [Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ \] can exist as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images. Therefore, it exhibits optical isomerism. \[ \boxed{\text{Option (B)}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top AP EAPCET Chemistry Questions
- The four quantum numbers of the valence electron of potassium are :
- The volume of $0.02\, M$ acidified permanganate solution required for complete reaction of $60\, mL$ of $0.01\, MI^{-}$ ion solution to form $I_2$ in $mL$ is
- In which of the following the election gain enthalpy of elements is correctly arranged?
- The radii of $ \text{F,}{{\text{F}}^{-}}\text{O} $ and $ {{\text{O}}^{2-}} $ are in the order
- Which of the following has the highest first ionization potential?
View More Questions
Top AP EAPCET Isomerism in Coordination Compounds Questions
- The set with only ambidentate ligands in the following is
- Which of the following complexes do not exhibit geometrical isomerism? \[ \begin{aligned} \text{I.} \quad & [\mathrm{CrF_2(H_2O)_4}]Cl_2 \\ \text{II.} \quad & [\mathrm{Co(en)_3}]^{3+} \\ \text{III.} \quad & [\mathrm{CoF(NH_3)_5}](\mathrm{NO_3})_2 \end{aligned} \] The correct answer is
Top AP EAPCET Questions
- A body is projected from the ground at an angle of $\tan^{-1} \left( \frac{8}{7}\right)$ with the horizontal. The ratio of the maximum height attained by it to its range is
- The four quantum numbers of the valence electron of potassium are :
- A lens forms real and virtual images of an object, when the object is at $u_{1}$ and $u_{2}$ distances respectively. If the size of the virtual image is double that of the real image, then the focal length of the lens is (take, the magnification of the real image as $m$ )
- Two spheres $P$ and $Q$, each of mass $200\, g$ are attached to a string of length one metre as shown in the figure. The string and the spheres are then whirled in a horizontal circle about $O$ at a constant angular speed. The ratio of the tension in the string between $P$ and $Q$ to that of between $P$ and $O$ is $(P$ is at mid-point of the line joining $O$ and $Q$ )
- The volume of $0.02\, M$ acidified permanganate solution required for complete reaction of $60\, mL$ of $0.01\, MI^{-}$ ion solution to form $I_2$ in $mL$ is
View More Questions