What type(s) of isomerism is/are exhibited by potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate?
(A) Geometric isomerism
(B) Optical isomerism
(C) Both geometric and optical isomerism
(D) No isomerism
(E) It is difficult to determine isomerism since it is fluxional
To determine the type(s) of isomerism exhibited by potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate, let's first understand the compound's structure.
Potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate has the chemical formula K[Cr(C2O4)2(H2O)2]ยท2H2O. From this formula, we can identify the central chromium atom (Cr) bonded to two oxalate ligands (C2O4), two water ligands (H2O), and one potassium ion (K+).
(A) Geometric isomerism refers to the possibility of different arrangements of ligands around a central metal atom resulting from different spatial orientations. In this case, potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate does not exhibit geometric isomerism because the ligands are identical and arranged in the same way around the chromium atom.
(B) Optical isomerism, also known as enantiomerism, occurs when a compound has a non-superimposable mirror image. To have optical isomerism, the compound must be chiral, meaning it does not possess an internal plane of symmetry. In the case of potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate, there is no chiral center in the complex, so it does not exhibit optical isomerism.
(C) Based on the explanations above, neither geometric nor optical isomerism is exhibited by potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) No isomerism.
(E) The option mentioning difficulty in determining isomerism due to the compound being fluxional is not applicable here. Fluxional compounds are those that exhibit rapid interconversion of isomers at room temperature, leading to a dynamic equilibrium. However, in the case of potassium dioxalatodiaquachromate(III) dihydrate, no isomerism exists, so the concept of fluxionality is irrelevant.
In conclusion, the answer is (D) No isomerism.