Question:medium

The complex that can show fac- and mer- isomers is :

Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
  • $[Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3]$
  • $[Pt(NH_3)_2Cl_2]$
  • $[Co(NH_3)4a_2]^+$
  • $[CoCl_2(en)_2]$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine which complex can show fac- and mer- isomerism, we need to understand what these isomers are:

Facial (fac-) and Meridional (mer-) Isomerism:

  • The fac-isomer (facial isomer) occurs when three identical ligands are adjacent to each other, forming one face of an octahedron.
  • The mer-isomer (meridional isomer) occurs when three identical ligands are in a planar arrangement around the central atom.

Fac- and mer- isomerism typically occurs in octahedral complexes with a formula of the type $Ma_3b_3$, where a and b are different ligands.

Let's analyze each option:

  1. $[Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3]$: This complex is of the type $Ma_3b_3$ (with a = NH_3 and b = NO_2), which allows for both fac- and mer- isomerism.
  2. $[Pt(NH_3)_2Cl_2]$: This complex is square planar or can be perceived as $Ma_2b_2$, leading to cis-trans isomerism, not fac-mer.
  3. $[Co(NH_3)_4a_2]^+$: This complex of type $Ma_4b_2$ forms cis-trans-type isomers but not fac-mer isomers.
  4. $[CoCl_2(en)_2]$: This complex forms enantiomers (optical isomers) or geometrical isomers but not fac-mer isomers.

Therefore, the correct answer is $[Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3]$ as it is the only complex that can exhibit both fac- and mer- isomerism.

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