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NEET CHEMISTRYCoordination CompoundsHard

Question

The coordination compound that gives the maximum number of isomers is:

A

[Co(NH3)4Cl2][Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]

B

[Ni(en)(NH3)4]2+[Ni(en)(NH_3)_4]^{2+}

C

[Ni(C2O4)(en)2][Ni(C_2O_4)(en)_2]

D

[Cr(SCN)2(NH3)4]+[Cr(SCN)_2(NH_3)_4]^+

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the maximum number of isomers, we evaluate each given complex:

  1. [Co(NH3)4Cl2][Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]: It is an octahedral complex of the type [Ma4b2][Ma_4b_2] and exhibits geometrical isomerism, existing as cis and trans isomers. Total isomers = 2.
  2. [Ni(en)(NH3)4]2+[Ni(en)(NH_3)_4]^{2+}: The bidentate ligand 'en' can only occupy adjacent (cis) positions. Since all 4 remaining positions are occupied by identical NH3NH_3 ligands, it does not show geometrical or optical isomerism. Total isomers = 1.
  3. [Ni(C2O4)(en)2][Ni(C_2O_4)(en)_2]: It is an octahedral complex with three bidentate ligands, similar to the [M(AA)3][M(AA)_3] type. It lacks a plane of symmetry and exists as a pair of optical isomers (non-superimposable dd and ll enantiomers). Total isomers = 2.
  4. [Cr(SCN)2(NH3)4]+[Cr(SCN)_2(NH_3)_4]^+: It is of the type [Ma4b2][Ma_4b_2] and shows cis and trans geometrical isomerism. Additionally, the SCNSCN^- ion is an ambidentate ligand, meaning it can bind through sulphur (–SCN) or nitrogen (–NCS), leading to linkage isomerism. The possible combinations of linkage isomers are: (i) both bound via S (SCN, SCN), (ii) both bound via N (NCS, NCS), and (iii) one S-bound and one N-bound (SCN, NCS). Each of these 3 combinations can exist as cis and trans forms. Total isomers = 3×2=63 \times 2 = 6.

Therefore, [Cr(SCN)2(NH3)4]+[Cr(SCN)_2(NH_3)_4]^+ gives the maximum number of isomers.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Coordination Compounds. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYCoordination Compoundscoordinationcompoundmaximumnumberisomers

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