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Which one of the following has an optical isomer:
  • a)
    [Co(H2O)4(en)]3+
  • b)
    [CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2
  • c)
    [Zn(en)(NH3)2]2+
  • d)
    [Co(en)3]3+
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which one of the following has an optical isomer:a)[Co(H2O)4(en)]3+b)[...
Optical Isomerism in Coordination Compounds

In coordination compounds, optical isomerism arises due to the presence of a chiral center in the coordination sphere. A chiral center is a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups. In coordination compounds, the chiral center can be a metal ion, a ligand, or a combination of both.

Answer and Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'D' [Co(en)3]3.

- In this complex, there are three bidentate ethylenediamine (en) ligands attached to the central cobalt ion.
- Each ethylenediamine ligand has two nitrogen atoms that can act as donor atoms to form coordination bonds with the cobalt ion.
- Since the two nitrogen atoms in the ethylenediamine ligand are different, the complex has a chiral center.
- The cobalt ion is surrounded by three chiral ligands, which gives rise to optical isomerism.
- The complex exists in two enantiomeric forms that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
- These two enantiomers rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions and are therefore optically active.

Hence, the correct option is D.
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Which one of the following has an optical isomer:a)[Co(H2O)4(en)]3+b)[...
Tris (didentate) complexes, such as [Co(en)3]^3+, [Ru(bpy)3]^2+, [Co(Hibg)3]^3+ have no centre of inversion nor a mirror plane passing through the central metal atom. Hence they are chiral and have been resolved into optical isomers (d & l).
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Which one of the following has an optical isomer:a)[Co(H2O)4(en)]3+b)[CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2c)[Zn(en)(NH3)2]2+d)[Co(en)3]3+Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for Chemistry 2025 is part of Chemistry preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Chemistry exam syllabus. Information about Which one of the following has an optical isomer:a)[Co(H2O)4(en)]3+b)[CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2c)[Zn(en)(NH3)2]2+d)[Co(en)3]3+Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Chemistry 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which one of the following has an optical isomer:a)[Co(H2O)4(en)]3+b)[CoCl(NH3)5]Cl2c)[Zn(en)(NH3)2]2+d)[Co(en)3]3+Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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