Question #7520f

1 Answer
Nov 26, 2015

No isomers are possible with any of these examples.

Explanation:

  1. The silver ammine complex is linear, and cannot support isomerism. 2. 4. Likewise [Co(NH3)5NO2]2+, and [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+, are octahedral ([ML5X]) with no isomerism possible. 3. A square planar platinum(II) complex, i.e. ML2X2, would normally support cis/trans isomerism, however, here the ligand is ethylenediamine, a chelating ligand that must coordinate in a cis fashion, so only the cis isomer is possible.

Would [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ support isomerism? Why or why not?

Edited to add, [Co(NH3)5NO2]2+, could possibly support linkage isomerism, should the nitro ligand coordinate through the N OR the O donor. This is an undergraduate treatment, and unsuitable for A level.