Question

Which of the following complex species is not expected to exhibit optical isomerism?

(a) [Co(en)₃]³⁺  (b) [Co(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ (c) [Co(NH₃)₃Cl₃] (d) [Co(en) (NH₃)Cl₂]⁺

Answer 1

Correct option (c) [Co(NH₃)₃Cl₃]

Explanation:

Optical isomerism is exhibited by only those complexes which lacks elements of symmetry.

[Co(NH₃)₃Cl] shows facial as well as meridional isomerism. But both the forms contain plane of symmetry. Thus, this complex does not exhibit optical isomerism.