Which of the following statements about the complex ion Co(en)₂Cl₂⁺ is true? (en = ethylenediamine, NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) A) The geometric isomers of the complex ion have identical chemical properties. B) The complex ion exhibits two geometric isomers (cis and trans) and two optical isomers. C) Because en is a strong field ligand (large Δ), the complex ion is paramagnetic. D) The complex ion exhibits cis and trans geometric isomers, but no optical isomers. E) The complex ion contains Co(I).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The complex ion contains two sulfur ligands, which can occupy cis or trans positions relative to each other. Therefore, the complex exhibits both cis and trans isomers. Since the complex contains a chiral ligand (en), it can also exhibit optical isomers. Therefore, the complex has two geometric isomers and two optical isomers. The ligand en is a strong field ligand, which means it causes a large splitting of the d orbitals (large Δ). This results in fewer unpaired electrons and a lower magnetic moment, making the complex diamagnetic rather than paramagnetic. There is no indication that the complex contains Co(I) in the given information.

Which of the Following Statements About the Complex Ion Co(en)2Cl2+

Which of the Following Statements About the Complex Ion Co(en)₂Cl₂⁺