Question:medium

Which of the following coordination compounds exhibits optical isomerism?

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In coordination chemistry, octahedral complexes containing bidentate ligands such as \(en\), oxalate \((C_2O_4^{2-})\), or similar chelating ligands are the most common examples of optical isomerism.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \([Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+\)
  • \([Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+\)
  • \([Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^{2+}\)
  • \([Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Know what optical isomerism needs.
A complex shows optical isomerism when it is chiral, meaning its mirror image cannot be placed on top of itself. Bidentate ligands like ethylenediamine ($en$) often make this possible.

Step 2: Check $[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]^+$.
This has only simple $NH_3$ and $Cl$ ligands. Its cis and trans forms both match their mirror images, so it is not optically active.

Step 3: Check $[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+$.
This has two $en$ rings plus two $Cl$. The cis form of this complex has no plane of symmetry, so its mirror image cannot be superimposed. It is chiral and shows optical isomerism.

Step 4: Check $[Co(NH_3)_5Cl]^{2+}$.
With five $NH_3$ and one $Cl$, the complex has a plane of symmetry, so it is not optically active.

Step 5: Check $[Co(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$.
Six identical $NH_3$ groups make a fully symmetric shape, so it has many planes of symmetry and is not chiral.

Step 6: Pick the chiral one.
Only $[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+$ in its cis form lacks a plane of symmetry, so only it shows optical isomerism.

Step 7: State the final answer.
The complex showing optical isomerism is:
\[ \boxed{[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+} \]
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