Q. Which one of the following is expected to exhibit optical isomerism ? (en = ethylenediamine)
A) cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂]
B) trans-[Co(en)₂Cl₂]
C) trans-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂]
D) cis-[Co(en)₂Cl₂]
Explanation
[Solution from source] cis-[Co(en)₂Cl₂]⁺ has no plane of symmetry and exists as non-superimposable mirror images, so it is optically active. The trans isomer has a mirror plane through the Cl–Co–Cl axis, and square planar [Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂] isomers are planar and achiral. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.