Lesson eLearning

How many optical isomers can the octahedral complex [Co(en)[3]^3+ (where en = ethylenediamine) have?

medium 2 marks Class 12 · Chemistry · Coordination Compounds
Answer
2

The correct answer is 2 — Hence, there are 2 optical isomers (α and β).

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the symmetry: each en is a bidentate ligand and all three are identical.
  2. The complex lacks an internal plane of symmetry, making it chiral.
  3. A chiral octahedral complex with three identical bidentate ligands exists as a pair of enantiomers.
  4. Hence, there are 2 optical isomers (α and β).
Common mistake: Counting only one stereoisomer instead of recognizing the pair

Concept tested: Optical isomerism in octahedral complexes

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

← All Coordination Compounds questions