Chapter 23: Problem 39
Consider the following three complexes: \(\left(\right.\) Complex 1) \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4} \mathrm{Br}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl}\) \(\left(\right.\) Complex 2) \(\left[\mathrm{Pd}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}(\mathrm{ONO})_{2}\right]\) \(\left(\right.\) Complex 3) \(\left[\mathrm{V}(\mathrm{en})_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right]^{+},\) (a) geometric isomers, Which of the three complexes can have (b) linkage isomers, (d) coordination- (c) optical isomers, sphere isomers?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Introduction to Geometric Isomers
Analyze Complex 1 for Geometric Isomers
Analyze Complex 2 for Geometric Isomers
Analyze Complex 3 for Geometric Isomers
Introduction to Linkage Isomers
Analyze Complex 1 for Linkage Isomers
Analyze Complex 2 for Linkage Isomers
Analyze Complex 3 for Linkage Isomers
Introduction to Optical Isomers
Analyze Complex 1 for Optical Isomers
Analyze Complex 2 for Optical Isomers
Analyze Complex 3 for Optical Isomers
Introduction to Coordination Sphere Isomers
Analyze Complex 1 for Coordination Sphere Isomers
Analyze Complex 2 for Coordination Sphere Isomers
Analyze Complex 3 for Coordination Sphere Isomers
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Geometric Isomers
For example, in Complex 1 \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\mathrm{Br}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl}\), the two bromine (Br) atoms can either be adjacent (cis) or opposite (trans) to each other. Similarly, Complex 2 \(\left[\mathrm{Pd}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}(\mathrm{ONO})_{2}\right]\) with ONO ligands, and Complex 3 \(\left[\mathrm{V}(\mathrm{en})_{2}\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right]^{+}\) with chloride ions and ethylenediamine, can also exhibit these geometric isomers by repositioning their sets of ligands.
Linkage Isomers
Taking a closer look at our complexes, in Complex 2 \(\left[\mathrm{Pd}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{2}(\mathrm{ONO})_{2}\right]\), the \(\text{ONO}^-\) group exemplifies this. The ligand can attach through the nitrogen or one of the oxygen atoms, existing as either a nitrito-\(\text{(ONO}^-\)) or nitro-\(\text{(NO}_2^-\)) linkage isomer.
On the other hand, Complex 1 and Complex 3 do not have any ambidentate ligands. Therefore, they don't exhibit linkage isomerism.
Optical Isomers
In coordination complexes, chiral centers can arise from certain ligand arrangements. For instance, Complex 3 \(\left[\mathrm{V}(\mathrm{en})_{2}\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right]^{+}\) potentially forms optical isomers. The presence of two bidentate "en" ligands can create a chiral structure. However, this isn't the case for Complex 1 and Complex 2, as their structures do not provide the necessary asymmetry for optical isomerism.
Coordination Sphere Isomers
In the case of Complex 1 \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4}\mathrm{Br}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl}\), coordination sphere isomerism can occur by exchanging a bromide ion with the chloride ion. This means that either a bromide or the chloride ion could be in the coordination sphere while the other stays as a counter-ion.
Unfortunately, for Complex 2 and Complex 3, coordination sphere isomerism is not an option since Complex 2's ligands are all contained within the sphere and Complex 3’s lack of neutral counter-ion options leaves it unaltered.