Isomers of [Co(en)2CI2]

Isomers refer to molecules that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. The total number of isomers of [Co(en)2CI2] can be determined by analyzing the different possible arrangements of the constituent atoms.

Coordinating ligands:

[Co(en)2CI2] has two bidentate ligands, ethylenediamine (en), and two monodentate chloride ions (CI-).

Possible isomers:

There are three possible isomers of [Co(en)2CI2], which are:

1. Cis-cis isomer: In this isomer, both the chloride ions and both the ethylenediamine ligands are positioned on the same side of the coordination plane. This results in a square planar geometry.

2. Trans-trans isomer: In this isomer, both the chloride ions and both the ethylenediamine ligands are positioned on opposite sides of the coordination plane. This also results in a square planar geometry.

3. Cis-trans isomer: In this isomer, one ethylenediamine ligand and one chloride ion are positioned on the same side of the coordination plane, while the other ethylenediamine ligand and chloride ion are positioned on opposite sides. This results in a distorted tetrahedral geometry.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the total number of isomers of [Co(en)2CI2] is three.