what are the point groups for
mer- Co Cl3 (CO3)
and
fac- Co Cl3 (CO3)
To determine the point groups for the complex ions mer-CoCl3(CO3) and fac-CoCl3(CO3), we need to analyze their molecular geometries and symmetry elements.
1. mer-CoCl3(CO3):
In the meridional isomer (mer), the three chloride ligands (Cl) and the carbonate ligand (CO3) are arranged in a trigonal planar geometry around the central cobalt (Co) atom. This results in a C3v point group. The C3 axis passes through the Co atom and is perpendicular to the plane of the ligands, while there are three σv mirror planes coinciding with the Cl–Co–Cl and CO3–Co–Cl planes.
2. fac-CoCl3(CO3):
In the facial isomer (fac), the three chloride ligands and the carbonate ligand are arranged in a triangular prism geometry around the central cobalt atom. This arrangement exhibits a D3h point group. The D3 axis passes through the Co atom and is perpendicular to the plane of the ligands, while there are three σh mirror planes perpendicular to the D3 axis and bisecting the Co–Cl bonds.
By considering the molecular geometry and symmetry elements, we can determine the point groups for mer-CoCl3(CO3) and fac-CoCl3(CO3) as C3v and D3h, respectively.