JEE MainChemistryCoordination Compounds
The total number of optically active isomers possible for the complex ion [ Co ( en )₂( NO ₂)₂ ]⁺ is ____
Correct answer
6
Step-by-step solution
The given complex ion is of the type [ M ( AA )₂ b ₂ ] , where AA is a symmetrical bidentate ligand ( en ) and b is an ambidentate ligand ( NO ₂⁻ ). First, consider the linkage isomerism due to the ambidentate nature of the NO ₂⁻ ligand. The two ligands can coordinate as: 1. Both through nitrogen: ( NO ₂, NO ₂) 2. Both through oxygen: ( ONO , ONO ) 3. One through nitrogen and one through oxygen: ( NO ₂, ONO ) Thus, there are 3 linkage combinations. For each linkage combination, the complex can exist in cis and tran