Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism? (...
Transform of [M(AA)2 a2]n± does not shows optical isomerism.
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Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism? (...
None of the options is crt everything shows symmetry about the centre axis.
Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism? (...
Cis [Co(en)2Cl2] is expected to exhibit optical isomerism.
Explanation:
Optical isomerism occurs in compounds that have chiral centers, which are carbon atoms bonded to four different groups or ligands. Chiral centers result in the formation of two non-superimposable mirror image isomers, known as enantiomers.
In the given options, the complex [Co(en)2Cl2] has the potential to exhibit optical isomerism. Let's break down the complex to understand why:
1. Complex: [Co(en)2Cl2]
- The complex consists of a central cobalt (Co) atom bonded to two ethylenediamine (en) ligands and two chloride (Cl) ligands.
- Each ethylenediamine (en) ligand is a bidentate ligand, meaning it can form two bonds with the central metal atom.
- The en ligands contain a chiral center, as the ethylenediamine molecule has two nitrogen atoms bonded to different groups (hydrogen and ethyl group).
- The presence of chiral centers in the en ligands leads to the formation of two possible stereoisomers when they bind to the central cobalt atom.
2. Isomerism:
- In the cis isomer of [Co(en)2Cl2], the two en ligands are located on the same side of the central cobalt atom.
- In the trans isomer of [Co(en)2Cl2], the two en ligands are located on opposite sides of the central cobalt atom.
- Since the en ligands are chiral, the cis and trans isomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
- This indicates that the complex [Co(en)2Cl2] can exist as two enantiomers, making it optically active and exhibiting optical isomerism.
In conclusion, the cis [Co(en)2Cl2] complex is expected to exhibit optical isomerism due to the presence of chiral ethylenediamine (en) ligands.