What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Cr(en)3]3+? (2023)
Practice Questions
Q1
What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Cr(en)3]3+? (2023)
Geometrical
Optical
Linkage
Coordination
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Cr(en)3]3+? (2023)
Step 1: Identify the complex. The complex is [Cr(en)3]3+, where 'Cr' is chromium and 'en' stands for ethylenediamine.
Step 2: Understand what bidentate ligands are. Bidentate ligands can attach to a metal at two points. In this case, 'en' is a bidentate ligand.
Step 3: Recognize that the complex has three 'en' ligands. This means there are three bidentate ligands attached to the chromium ion.
Step 4: Learn about optical isomerism. Optical isomerism occurs when a molecule can exist in two forms that are mirror images of each other, like left and right hands.
Step 5: Determine if the complex can have non-superimposable mirror images. Since the arrangement of the three 'en' ligands around the chromium can create such mirror images, the complex exhibits optical isomerism.
Step 6: Conclude that the type of isomerism shown by [Cr(en)3]3+ is optical isomerism.
