Which of the following complex ions will exhibit optical isomerism? (en = 1, 2-diamine ethane).

1. $\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$
2. $\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$
3. $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_4 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$
4. $\left[\mathrm{Zn}(\mathrm{en})_2\right]^{2+}$

Solution

Non superimposable mirror images are called optical isomers and may be described as "chiral'. They are also called enantiomers and rotate plane polarised light in opposite directions.

Asked in: JEE Main 2012 (12 May Online)

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