Which one of the following complex ions has an optical isomer?
a. [Zn(phen)2]2+
b. [Cu(CN)4]2–
c. [Co(H2O)4en]2+
d. [Zn(NH3)2en]2+
e. [Ni(en)3]2+
is the answer a)
im confused as to what phen and en stand for.
Not a.
phen stands for 1,10 phenothroline.
en stands for ethylenediammine tetraacetic acid.
To answer this, draw a square for a and b and see if there are cis and trans isomers.
For the others draw an octahedron and check for cis and trans isomers.
In order to determine which complex ions have optical isomers, we need to understand the terms "phen" and "en." These terms refer to specific ligands that are commonly used in coordination chemistry.
Phen stands for 1,10-phenanthroline, a bidentate ligand that can bond to a metal ion through two different sites, forming a complex. Each phenanthroline molecule can bind to a metal ion in two different orientations, resulting in two possible stereoisomers.
En stands for ethylenediamine, another bidentate ligand that can bond to a metal ion through two sites. Like phen, ethylenediamine can also form complexes with two possible stereoisomers.
Now let's examine each option to determine which complex ions have optical isomers:
a. [Zn(phen)2]2+: This complex has two phenanthroline ligands, each capable of forming two stereoisomers. Therefore, it has a total of four possible stereoisomers, making it one of the correct options.
b. [Cu(CN)4]2–: This complex does not contain any ligands like phen or en that can form optical isomers. Therefore, it does not have an optical isomer.
c. [Co(H2O)4en]2+: This complex has four water (H2O) ligands and one ethylenediamine (en) ligand. Since ethylenediamine can form two stereoisomers, this complex has a total of two possible stereoisomers, making it one of the correct options.
d. [Zn(NH3)2en]2+: This complex has two ammonia (NH3) ligands and one ethylenediamine (en) ligand. Similar to option c, it also has two possible stereoisomers, making it one of the correct options.
e. [Ni(en)3]2+: This complex contains three ethylenediamine (en) ligands. Like the previous options, it can form two stereoisomers, so it is one of the correct options.
In summary, the correct options that have optical isomers are a), c), d), and e).