FAQs on Isomerism in Coordination Compounds

Question 1

1. What is isomerism in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Isomerism in coordination compounds refers to the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. These compounds are called isomers. Isomerism can occur due to different types of ligands, coordination numbers, or spatial arrangements around the central metal atom.

Question 2

2. What are the different types of isomerism in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. There are several types of isomerism in coordination compounds, including structural isomerism, geometrical isomerism, optical isomerism, and linkage isomerism. Structural isomerism occurs when the connectivity of atoms and ligands differs between isomers, while geometrical isomerism arises when the spatial arrangement around the central metal atom is different. Optical isomerism occurs when compounds have non-superimposable mirror images, and linkage isomerism arises when the ligand is attached to the central metal atom through different atoms.

Question 3

3. How does structural isomerism occur in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Structural isomerism in coordination compounds occurs when the ligands are arranged differently around the central metal atom. This can happen due to different types of ligands being attached to the metal atom or by varying the coordination number of the metal atom. For example, in the coordination compound [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2, the Cl ligand can be directly bonded to the central cobalt atom or can replace one of the NH3 ligands, resulting in two different structural isomers.

Question 4

4. What is geometrical isomerism in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Geometrical isomerism in coordination compounds arises when there is restricted rotation around a coordination bond, leading to different spatial arrangements of ligands around the central metal atom. This usually occurs in square planar or octahedral complexes where two or more ligands are attached to adjacent positions. The isomers are often denoted as cis (same side) or trans (opposite sides) isomers.

Question 5

5. How does optical isomerism occur in coordination compounds?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Optical isomerism in coordination compounds occurs when compounds have non-superimposable mirror images. This happens when the central metal atom is bonded to ligands in a way that creates a chiral center. The presence of a chiral center results in two different forms of the compound known as enantiomers. These enantiomers rotate the plane-polarized light in opposite directions and have distinct physical and chemical properties.

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