Question

Which one of the following has an optical isomer?

• A. \( [Zn(en)(NH_3)_2]^{2+} \)
• B. \( [Co(en)_3]^{3+} \)
• C. \( [Co(H_2O)_6](en)_3^{3+} \)
• D. \( [Zn(en)_2]^{2+} \)

Hint:

Chirality in coordination compounds arises when there are no planes of symmetry and the ligands are arranged asymmetrically.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Optical isomers exist when a compound has chiral centers, meaning that it lacks a plane of symmetry.
Step 2: Among the given options, \( [Zn(en)(NH_3)_2]^{2+} \) is chiral and can form optical isomers due to the non-superimposability of its mirror images.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{[Zn(en)(NH_3)_2]^{2+}} \]