Skip to main content
Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination ChemistryProblem 7
Chapter 21, Problem 7

Identify the false statement about the structures of the complex ion [Fe(en)2Cl2]+ shown below.
(a) Structures I and II are cis-trans isomers.
(b) Structures I and IV are cis-trans isomers.
(c) Structures I and III are enantiomers.
(d) Structures II and IV are enantiomers.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ligand arrangement around the central metal ion in each structure to determine the type of isomerism or stereochemistry.
Understand the concept of cis-trans isomerism: cis isomers have similar groups on the same side, while trans isomers have them on opposite sides.
Recognize enantiomers as non-superimposable mirror images, typically involving chiral centers.
Compare structures I and II, and I and IV to check if similar groups are on the same or opposite sides to verify if they are cis-trans isomers.
Compare structures I and III, and II and IV to determine if they are mirror images of each other, which would indicate they are enantiomers.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cis-Trans Isomerism

Cis-trans isomerism occurs in coordination compounds where ligands can occupy different spatial arrangements around a central metal ion. In a cis configuration, similar ligands are adjacent to each other, while in a trans configuration, they are opposite. This concept is crucial for understanding the geometric differences in the structures of complex ions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:33
Isomerism in Coordination Complexes Example

Enantiomers

Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They typically arise in chiral environments, such as when a metal ion is coordinated to ligands in a way that creates asymmetry. Recognizing enantiomers is essential for determining the optical activity and specific interactions of complex ions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:33
Drawing Enantiomers

Coordination Chemistry

Coordination chemistry studies the structures and properties of complex ions formed by metal ions and surrounding ligands. The arrangement of ligands around the metal can lead to various geometric configurations, influencing the chemical behavior and reactivity of the complex. Understanding coordination chemistry is fundamental for analyzing the relationships between different structural forms of complex ions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:27
Coordination Numbers
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Refer to the figure showing the structure of various ligands to answer questions 4 and 5. Which ligand(s) can participate in linkage isomerism?

(a) All of the ligands can participate in linkage isomerism

(b) I, II, and III

(c) I and IV

(d) II and IV

Textbook Question

What is the Lewis base in the reaction of oxalate with the mangenese ion to form [Mn(C2O4)3]2-? What is the oxidation state of Mn and the coordination number of the complex?  

(a) Lewis base is C2O42-; Mn oxidation number is +3; coordination number is 3.

(b) Lewis base is C2O42-; Mn oxidination number is +2; coordination number is 6.

(c) Lewis base is Mn2+; Mn oxidation number is +2; coordination number is 3.

(d) Lewis base is Mn4+; Mn oxidation number is +4; coordination number is 6.

Textbook Question

Propose structures for molecules that meet the following

descriptions.

(c) Contains an S atom that has a coordinate covalent bond

Textbook Question
In excess of NH3(aq), Zn2+ forms a complex ion, [Zn(NH3)4]2+ which has a formation constant Kf = 7.8 x 10^8. Calculate the concentration of Zn2+ in a solution prepared by adding 1.00 x 10^-2 mol Zn(NO3)2 to 1.00 L of 0.250 M NH3. (a) 7.9 x 10^-4 M(b) 2.8 x 10^-6 M(c) 3.9 x 10^-9 M(d) 6.4 x 10^-11 M