JEE Main201910 Jan 2019Evening ShiftChemistryCoordination CompoundsActual
A reaction of cobalt ( III ) chloride and ethylenediamine in a 1 : 2 mole ratio generates two isomeric products A (violet-coloured) and B (green-coloured). A can show optical activity, but, B is optically inactive. What type of isomers do A and B represent?
Options
- ACoordination isomers
- BLinkage isomers
- CIonisation isomers
- DGeometrical isomers
Correct answer
D. Geometrical isomers
Step-by-step solution
The coordination number of cobalt is 6 . The mole ratio of CoCl 3 and en is 1   :   2 . Hence, CoCl 3 + 2   en → Co en 2 Cl 2   Cl The complex formed shows geometrical isomerism. The complex exists as cis and trans isomers among which the trans isomer is optically inactive.