Which of the following does not show optical isomerism? (en = ethylenediamine)

Which of the following does not show optical isomerism? (en = ethylenediamine)
  1. $\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$
  2. $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_3 \mathrm{Cl}_3\right]^0$
  3. $\left[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en}) \mathrm{Cl}_2\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_2\right]^{+}$
  4. $\left[\operatorname{Co}(\mathrm{en})_3\right]^{3+}$

Solution

Optical isomerism is exhibited by only those complexes in which elements of symmetry are absent. Octahedral complexes of the types $\left[\mathrm{M}(\mathrm{aa})_3\right],\left[\mathrm{M}(\mathrm{aa}) \mathrm{x}_2, \mathrm{y}_2\right]$ and $\left[\mathrm{M}(\mathrm{aa})_2 \mathrm{x}_2\right]$ have absence of elements of symmetry, thus exhibit optical isomerism. Here, $a a$ represents bidentate ligand, $x$ or $y$ represents monodentate ligand and $M$ represents central metal ion. Hence, $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_3 \mathrm{Cl}_3\right]^0$ due to presence of symmetry elements does not exhibit optical isomerism.

Asked in: NEET 2009 (Screening)

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