The number of optically active Isomers possible for [Co(en)2Cl2]+ comp...
The Complex and Its Composition
The complex [Co(en)2Cl2]+ consists of cobalt (Co) at the center, surrounded by two ethylenediamine (en) ligands and two chloride (Cl) ligands. Ethylenediamine is a bidentate ligand, meaning each en can bind to the cobalt at two sites.
Geometric Isomerism
Due to the coordination number of six for cobalt, the complex can exhibit geometric isomerism. The two chloride ligands can either be positioned adjacent to each other (cis) or opposite each other (trans).
Optical Isomerism
1. Cis Isomer: The cis configuration of [Co(en)2Cl2]+ leads to a non-superimposable mirror image, resulting in two optical isomers (enantiomers).
2. Trans Isomer: The trans configuration does not exhibit optical activity since it has a plane of symmetry, meaning it does not produce non-superimposable mirror images.
Conclusion
Therefore, the only optically active isomers arise from the cis arrangement of the ligands in [Co(en)2Cl2]+. Thus, the total number of optically active isomers for this complex is:
- Cis Isomer: 2 optical isomers (enantiomers)
- Trans Isomer: 0 optical isomers
Thus, the final answer is that there are 2 optically active isomers for the complex [Co(en)2Cl2]+.