Question:medium

The number of bridging $CO$ ligand (s) and $Co - Co$ bond (s) in $ {CO_2(CO)_8}$, respectively are :

Updated On: Mar 31, 2026
  • 0 and 2
  • 2 and 0
  • 4 and 0
  • 2 and 1
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine the number of bridging \( \text{CO} \) ligands and \( \text{Co} - \text{Co} \) bonds in \( \text{Co}_2(\text{CO})_8 \), we need to examine the structure of this compound in detail.

The compound \( \text{Co}_2(\text{CO})_8 \) is a well-known complex with two cobalt atoms bonded together. Here's how the structure breaks down:

  1. Each cobalt atom is coordinated to four carbon monoxide ligands.
  2. Out of the eight \( \text{CO} \) ligands in the entire molecule, four are terminal (each attached to a single cobalt atom), while the remaining four can be analyzed for bridging position.
  3. In the actual cluster structure of the compound \( \text{Co}_2(\text{CO})_8 \), it is known that two of the carbon monoxide ligands act as bridges between the two cobalt atoms.
  4. These two bridging ligands mean that there are two \( \text{CO} \) ligands connected to both cobalt atoms.
  5. This structural arrangement leaves us with one \( \text{Co} - \text{Co} \) bond holding the cobalt atoms together directly.

Thus, in \( \text{Co}_2(\text{CO})_8 \):

  • There are 2 bridging \( \text{CO} \) ligands.
  • There is 1 \( \text{Co} - \text{Co} \) bond.

The correct answer is therefore: 2 \text{ and } 1. This matches with the option "2 and 1".

Justification of other options:

  • The option "0 and 2" is incorrect because we have established that there are 2 bridging \( \text{CO} \) ligands and not 0.
  • The option "2 and 0" is incorrect because there is indeed a \( \text{Co} - \text{Co} \) bond present.
  • The option "4 and 0" is incorrect because only 2 of the \( \text{CO} \) ligands are bridging, and there exists one \( \text{Co} - \text{Co} \) bond.
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