NEETChemistryCoordination Compounds
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The complexes [ Co ( NH ₃)₅( NO ₂)] Cl ₂ and [ Co ( NH ₃)₅( ONO )] Cl ₂ cannot be distinguished by measuring their molar conductivity in aqueous solution. Reason (R): Linkage isomers produce the same number of ions in solution. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answe
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is true but (R) is false
- D(A) is false but (R) is true
Correct answer
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
The complexes [ Co ( NH ₃)₅( NO ₂)] Cl ₂ and [ Co ( NH ₃)₅( ONO )] Cl ₂ are linkage isomers, differing only in the donor atom (N versus O) of the ambidentate ligand coordinated to the cobalt ion. When dissolved in water, both complexes dissociate to give one complex cation and two chloride ions, producing a total of 3 ions per formula unit. Since molar conductivity depends primarily on the number of ions produced in solution, both isomers will have nearly identical molar conductivities. Therefore, they cannot be di