What is the total number of geometric isomers possible for the octahedral complex [Co(NH₃)₃(H₂O)₃]? A)1 B)4 C)5 D)2 E)3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The complex contains two types of ligands: NH₃ and H₂O. The first ligand can have two different configurations (cis and trans) due to the presence of a double bond, whereas the second ligand can have four different configurations (cis and trans with respect to both neighboring NH₃ ligands). Therefore, the total number of possible isomers is 2 x 4 = 8. However, two of these isomers are geometrically identical (i.e. mirror images) and thus represent the same compound, which reduces the total number of isomers to 4.

What Is the Total Number of Geometric Isomers Possible for the Octahedral