Question:medium

Which one of the following complex-isomerism pair matches correctly?

Show Hint

For octahedral systems containing two bidentate chelating ligands, the trans form is always symmetric (optically inactive) because the ligands lie flat in a plane. The cis form is asymmetric (chiral), meaning it will always show optical activity!
Updated On: May 20, 2026
  • $[\text{PtCl}_2(\text{NH}_3)_2]$ - Exhibits both cis-trans and optical isomerism
  • $[\text{CrCl}_2(\text{ox})_2]^{3-}$ - Exhibits cis-trans isomerism and cis isomer is optically active
  • $[\text{Cr}(\text{C}_2\text{O}_4)_3]^{3-}$ - Exhibits cis-trans isomerism and both exhibit optical isomerism
  • $[\text{Fe}(\text{CN})_4(\text{NH}_3)_2]^-$ - Exhibits cis-trans isomerism but is optically inactive
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Concept: In coordination chemistry, stereoisomerism is dictated by geometry:
Square planar complexes of the form $[\text{MA}_2\text{B}_2]$ exhibit geometric ($\text{cis-trans}$) isomerism but possess a plane of symmetry, making them optically inactive.
Octahedral complexes containing bidentate chelating ligands (like oxalate, $\text{ox}$) lack planes of symmetry in certain configurations, giving rise to non-superimposable mirror images (chiral optical enantiomers).

Step 1: Analyze Option (B).
The complex $[\text{CrCl}_2(\text{ox})_2]^{3-}$ is an octahedral structure of the type $[\text{MA}_2(\text{AA})_2]$:
The trans isomer places the two chloride ligands $180^\circ$ apart, creating a vertical plane of symmetry that renders it optically inactive.
The cis isomer places the chloride ligands $90^\circ$ apart. This orientation forces the two chelating oxalate loops into perpendicular planes, eliminating any internal plane of symmetry. As a result, the cis form is chiral and resolves into optically active $d$ and $l$ enantiomers.
This matches description (B) perfectly.
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