Question:medium

The complexes $[Co(NH_3)_6][Cr(CN)_6]$ and $[Cr(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$ are the examples of which type of isomerism?

Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Ionisation isomerism
  • Coordination isomerism
  • Geometrical isomerism
  • Linkage isomerism
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the type of isomerism exhibited by the complexes $[Co(NH_3)_6][Cr(CN)_6]$ and $[Cr(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$.

  1. In coordination chemistry, isomerism is a common phenomenon where compounds with the same chemical formula have different arrangements of atoms.
  2. Let's examine the provided complexes:
    • $[Co(NH_3)_6][Cr(CN)_6]$ consists of a cationic complex $[Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$ and an anionic complex $[Cr(CN)_6]^{3-}$.
    • $[Cr(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$ consists of a cationic complex $[Cr(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$ and an anionic complex $[Co(CN)_6]^{3-}$.
  3. The difference between these two complexes is that the metal centers in the cationic and anionic parts are swapped. This means the ligand sets and their dispositions around the central metal ions are the same, but the metals participating in the complexes are different. As a result, these complexes are examples of coordination isomerism.
  4. Other types of isomerism:
    • Ionisation isomerism: Occurs when ions outside the coordination sphere are different but can generate the same compound in solution.
    • Geometrical isomerism: Involves different spatial arrangements of ligands around the central atom, common in square planar and octahedral complexes.
    • Linkage isomerism: Arises when a ligand can coordinate to a metal through different atoms.
  5. Thus, the given complexes are best described as exhibiting coordination isomerism, where the difference arises purely from the distribution of metal ions between cationic and anionic complexes.

Therefore, the correct answer is Coordination isomerism.

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