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NEET CHEMISTRYMedium

The number of possible isomers for the complex [Co(en)2Cl2]Cl[Co(en)_2Cl_2]Cl will be (en = ethylenediamine):

A

2

B

1

C

3

D

4

Step-by-Step Solution

The complex [Co(en)2Cl2]Cl[Co(en)_2Cl_2]Cl ionizes to give the coordination entity [Co(en)2Cl2]+[Co(en)_2Cl_2]^+. This complex belongs to the type [M(AA)2a2][M(AA)_2a_2], where 'AA' is a symmetrical bidentate ligand (enen) and 'a' is a monodentate ligand (ClCl^-).

  1. Geometrical Isomerism: The complex shows geometrical isomerism with two forms:
  • Trans-isomer: The two ClCl^- ions are at 180° to each other. This structure has a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive (achiral).
  • Cis-isomer: The two ClCl^- ions are at 90° to each other. This structure lacks a plane of symmetry and is optically active.
  1. Optical Isomerism:
  • The cis-isomer is chiral and exists as a pair of enantiomers (dextro and laevo forms).
  • The trans-isomer is achiral and does not show optical isomerism.

Total Isomers: 1 (Trans) + 2 (Cis-d and Cis-l) = 3 isomers .

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