Question

The co-ordination complex ions $[Co(NH_3)_5(NO_2)]^{2+}$ and $[Co(NH_3)_5(ONO)]^{2+}$ are ________ of each other.

• A. ionization isomers
• B. solvate isomers
• C. linkage isomers
• D. co-ordination isomers

Hint:

Look for ligands like $NO_2^-/ONO^-$, $SCN^-/NCS^-$, or $CN^-/NC^-$ to quickly identify linkage isomerism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Linkage isomerism occurs in coordination compounds containing ambidentate ligands, which can bind to the central metal atom through more than one donor atom.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
In the given complexes, the ligand is the nitrite ion (\(NO_2^-\)).
In \([Co(NH_3)_5(NO_2)]^{2+}\), the nitrite ligand is linked to the Cobalt metal atom through the Nitrogen atom (\(M-NO_2\)).
In \([Co(NH_3)_5(ONO)]^{2+}\), the nitrite ligand is linked to the Cobalt metal atom through an Oxygen atom (\(M-ONO\)).
Because the same ligand is attached through different donor atoms, these are linkage isomers.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The complexes are linkage isomers.