Which of the following complexes exhibits optical isomerism?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following complexes exhibits optical isomerism?
[Cr(en)3]3+
[Co(NH3)6]3+
[NiCl2(H2O)4]
[CuCl2]
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following complexes exhibits optical isomerism?
Step 1: Understand what optical isomerism is. It occurs when a molecule can exist in two forms that are mirror images of each other, like left and right hands.
Step 2: Identify the complex given in the question, which is [Cr(en)3]3+. Here, 'en' stands for ethylenediamine, a bidentate ligand that can attach to the chromium ion.
Step 3: Determine the geometry of the complex. [Cr(en)3]3+ has an octahedral geometry because it has six ligands surrounding the chromium ion.
Step 4: Check if the complex is chiral. A complex is chiral if it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. In the case of [Cr(en)3]3+, the arrangement of the three ethylenediamine ligands creates a chiral environment.
Step 5: Conclude that since [Cr(en)3]3+ is chiral, it can exist in two non-superimposable mirror image forms, thus exhibiting optical isomerism.
