Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism? (en = ethylenediamine)

Question

What is the chemical formula of glycerol?

Answer 1

To determine which of the given complexes is expected to exhibit optical isomerism, we need to understand the structural and stereochemical requirements for optical isomerism in coordination compounds.

Optical isomerism occurs when a coordination compound cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This type of isomerism is common in complexes with certain geometric arrangements that allow for chirality, especially in coordination numbers of 4 (tetrahedral) and 6 (octahedral).

Let's examine each option:

Cis-[R(NH_3)_2Cl_2]: This is a square planar complex. Square planar complexes typically do not exhibit optical isomerism, since they do not have a chiral center. Hence, this complex is not expected to exhibit optical isomerism.
Trans-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+: In the trans form, the two bidentate ligands (ethylenediamine) and two chloride ions are arranged opposite each other. This arrangement allows for a plane of symmetry, making the complex achiral. Therefore, it does not exhibit optical isomerism.
Trans-[R(NH_3)_2Cl_2]: Similar to the first entry, this is a square planar complex and trans configuration usually means there is a plane of symmetry, making the complex achiral and not optically active.
Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+: This is an octahedral complex. The cis configuration involves the ethylenediamine ligands being adjacent, creating an asymmetrical environment that can lack a plane of symmetry. This allows the complex to be chiral and thus capable of exhibiting optical isomerism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+, as it is expected to exhibit optical isomerism due to its octahedral and chiral arrangement.

Conclusion: The complex Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ exhibits optical isomerism due to its chiral octahedral structure with bidentate ligands in a cis formation.

Answer 2

To determine which of the given complexes is expected to exhibit optical isomerism, we need to understand the structural and stereochemical requirements for optical isomerism in coordination compounds.

Optical isomerism occurs when a coordination compound cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. This type of isomerism is common in complexes with certain geometric arrangements that allow for chirality, especially in coordination numbers of 4 (tetrahedral) and 6 (octahedral).

Let's examine each option:

Cis-[R(NH_3)_2Cl_2]: This is a square planar complex. Square planar complexes typically do not exhibit optical isomerism, since they do not have a chiral center. Hence, this complex is not expected to exhibit optical isomerism.
Trans-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+: In the trans form, the two bidentate ligands (ethylenediamine) and two chloride ions are arranged opposite each other. This arrangement allows for a plane of symmetry, making the complex achiral. Therefore, it does not exhibit optical isomerism.
Trans-[R(NH_3)_2Cl_2]: Similar to the first entry, this is a square planar complex and trans configuration usually means there is a plane of symmetry, making the complex achiral and not optically active.
Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+: This is an octahedral complex. The cis configuration involves the ethylenediamine ligands being adjacent, creating an asymmetrical environment that can lack a plane of symmetry. This allows the complex to be chiral and thus capable of exhibiting optical isomerism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+, as it is expected to exhibit optical isomerism due to its octahedral and chiral arrangement.

Conclusion: The complex Cis-[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+ exhibits optical isomerism due to its chiral octahedral structure with bidentate ligands in a cis formation.

Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism? (en = ethylenediamine)

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

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