Question:medium

The correct representation of a complex ion is:

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Write ligands alphabetically by their names: ammine (NH\(_3\)), then aqua (H\(_2\)O), then chloro (Cl\(^-\)).
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \([Co(H_2O)(NH_3)_4Cl]^{2+}\)
  • \([CoCl(H_2O)(NH_3)_4]^{2+}\)
  • \([Co(NH_3)_4Cl(H_2O)]^{2+}\)
  • \([Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]^{2+}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question is about identifying the correct representation of a complex ion. Let's break it down step-by-step to determine why the given option is correct:

  1. Understanding Complex Ions: In coordination chemistry, a complex ion consists of a central metal atom/ion that is bonded to a set of molecules or anions, termed ligands. The notation typically lists the central atom first, followed by the ligands.
  2. Correct Representation in Complexes:
    - A complex should list its ligands in a specific order: neutral ligands are usually listed first followed by anionic ligands.
    - Within each category (neutral or ionic), ligands are usually ordered alphabetically.
    - In the given options, \([Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]^{2+}\) follows this rule, listing the neutral ligands \(NH_3\) and \(H_2O\) before the anionic ligand \(Cl^{-}\).
  3. Analyzing Options:
    • \([Co(H_2O)(NH_3)_4Cl]^{2+}\) - Lists \(H_2O\) before \(NH_3\) which doesn't follow the alphabetical criterion within the neutral ligands.
    • \([CoCl(H_2O)(NH_3)_4]^{2+}\) - Lists the anionic ligand \(Cl^{-}\) first which is incorrect according to the standard coordination compound representation.
    • \([Co(NH_3)_4Cl(H_2O)]^{2+}\) - Incorrect because \(Cl^{-}\) should be listed after the neutral ligands.
    • \([Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]^{2+}\) (Correct Option) - This follows the correct order: neutral ligands \(NH_3\)\(H_2O\), then the anionic ligand \(Cl^{-}\).
  4. Conclusion: The correct representation of the complex ion as per standard chemical notation is \([Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]^{2+}\), which follows all the rules of chemical nomenclature for complexes.
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