A reaction of cobalt ( III ) chloride and ethylenediamine in a 1   :   2 mole ratio generates two…

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?
  1. Coordination isomers
  2. Linkage isomers
  3. Ionisation isomers
  4. Geometrical isomers

Solution

The coordination number of cobalt is 6.

The mole ratio of CoCl3 and en is 1 : 2.

Hence,

CoCl3+2 enCoen2Cl2 Cl

The complex formed shows geometrical isomerism.

The complex exists as cis and trans isomers among which the trans isomer is optically inactive.

 

Asked in: JEE Main 2019 (10 Jan Shift 2)

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