Question:

Which one of the following complexes shows optical isomerism?
(en = ethylenediamine)

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Optical isomerism needs a chiral octahedral complex; cis-bis(bidentate) complexes are chiral.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • cis\(\mathrm{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]Cl}\)
  • trans\(\mathrm{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]Cl}\)
  • \(\mathrm{[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]Cl}\)
  • \(\mathrm{[Co(NH_3)_3Cl_3]}\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Each complex is octahedral.
(2) trans-\(\mathrm{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+}\) has a plane of symmetry, so it is achiral.
(3) \(\mathrm{[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+}\) (cis or trans) has a plane of symmetry, achiral.
(4) \(\mathrm{[Co(NH_3)_3Cl_3]}\) (fac and mer) both have a plane of symmetry, achiral.
(1) cis-\(\mathrm{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+}\) has no plane or centre of symmetry; it exists as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers).
Answer: (1) cis\(\mathrm{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]Cl}\)
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