Optical Isomerism
Mediumchemistry
Which complex shows optical isomerism?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
[Co(en)₃]³⁺
Optical Isomerism occurs in chiral complexes that lack a plane of symmetry.
- [Co(en)3]3+: This octahedral complex contains three bidentate ligands. The three rings wrap around the metal in a way that creates non-superimposable mirror images (called Λ and Δ enantiomers).
- [Co(NH3)6]3+ has three planes of symmetry (achiral).
- [PtCl4]2− and [Ni(CN)4]2− are square planar; they have the molecular plane as a plane of symmetry.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- coordination compounds
- Topic
- optical isomerism
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
[Co(en)₃]³⁺
Optical Isomerism occurs in chiral complexes that lack a plane of symmetry.
- [Co(en)3]3+: This octahedral complex contains three bidentate ligands. The three rings wrap around the metal in a way that creates non-superimposable mirror images (called Λ and Δ enantiomers).
- [Co(NH3)6]3+ has three planes of symmetry (achiral).
- [PtCl4]2− and [Ni(CN)4]2− are square planar; they have the molecular plane as a plane of symmetry.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter coordination compounds, covering the topic of optical isomerism. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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