Which of the following complexes can exist as enantiomers? Draw their structures. (a) [Cr(en) 3 ] 3+ (b) cis-[Co(NH 3 )Cl] 2+ (c) trans-[Co(en) 2 (NH 3 )Cl] 2+ (d) [Pt(NH 3 ) 3 Cl 3 ] +

All right. Hi everyone. So this question is asking us, is it possible for the given complex to exist as an an anime? If this is the case, what are the structures? The complex in question being P DC 20432 negative. So recall first and foremost, right that in name two mirrors refer to chemical structures that possess non super imposable mirror images. So two structures are considered to be an two mirrors if they are non superimposable mirror images of each other. So our task here is to draw the original complex, draw the mirror image and see whether or not the original complex and the mirror image are identical. So first we'll start with are complex. We have a palladium atom in the center and it appears we have three Liggins of 6204 or C 204. Excuse me. Now recall that C 204 is the oxalate ion which is by dente. And so what that means is that two of the oxygens in the oxalate ion are going to connect to the palladium atom in the center. So if I scroll down here to make some space I'm actually going to start by first drawing my bonds right. Here, we have three bent ligands, which means that there are going to be a total of six bonds to palladium directly. Meaning this is an octahedral complex. So the first thing I'll do right is draw the six bonds to palladium along the X to Y and the Z axis. So here are my six bonds and now I will go ahead and connect my oxalate ions. So I will draw the two carbons in between two oxygens and then both carbons happen to have carbon oxygen double bonds. I figured I should move that a bit downwards. So then I will do the same thing to the remaining oxygen atoms though I am going to adjust the spacing a little bit looked like they were too far apart, scroll down one more time. And so here is the completed structure. So now I'm going to place brackets around the entire complex and add a superscript of the charge which is too negative. So now I'm going to draw the mirror image relative to this vertical plane that IVE drawn in the center. So heres my palladium in the center. So now here I do have an oxalate ligand that is to the right side of my structure. So in the first um complex, so in the mirror image that respective oxalate ion or oxalate group is going to appear on the left instead. So with this, I will go ahead and draw my remaining oxalate groups relative to are playing in the center. And here is my final oxalate isle. So for the mirror image, I will go ahead and do the same thing where I enclose the structure with brackets and specify the charge of negative two. And I'm also going to move this just a bit so that you can see it. But so as we can see we have our respective mirror images and it just so happens that they actually are non superimposable because if you consider each respective structure, they cannot be reoriented such that you can stack one on top of the other. Hence the term non superimposable. So with that is our final answer and I'm actually going to make this just a little bit smaller so I can write the final answer above, right. Our final answer is that yes, the given complex exist as and, and numer and the given structures or the structures are shown below and there you have. So with this being said, if you stuck around to the end, thank you so very much for watching. And I hope you found this helpful.

Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry

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McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry

Problem 21.89

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Chapter 21, Problem 21.89

Which of the following complexes can exist as enantiomers? Draw their structures.
(a) [Cr(en)₃]³⁺
(b) cis-[Co(NH₃)Cl]²⁺
(c) trans-[Co(en)₂(NH₃)Cl]²⁺
(d) [Pt(NH₃)₃Cl₃]⁺

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Identify the type of isomerism: Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They typically occur in octahedral complexes with bidentate ligands.

Analyze each complex: (a) [Cr(en)_3]^{3+} is an octahedral complex with three bidentate ethylenediamine (en) ligands, which can form chiral centers, making it possible to have enantiomers.

Consider the geometry: (b) cis-[Co(NH_3)Cl]^{2+} is a square planar complex, which typically does not exhibit chirality, so it cannot have enantiomers.

Evaluate the ligand arrangement: (c) trans-[Co(en)_2(NH_3)Cl]^{2+} has a trans configuration, which usually does not allow for chirality, thus it cannot exist as enantiomers.

Check the coordination and symmetry: (d) [Pt(NH_3)_3Cl_3]^{+} is a square planar complex, which generally does not form enantiomers due to its symmetry.

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Key Concepts

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

Chirality

Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands. Molecules that possess chirality typically have a carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, leading to two distinct configurations known as enantiomers. Understanding chirality is essential for determining whether a complex can exist as enantiomers.

Coordination Complexes

Coordination complexes consist of a central metal atom bonded to surrounding ligands, which can be neutral molecules or ions. The arrangement of these ligands around the metal can lead to different geometric isomers, such as cis and trans forms. The specific geometry of these complexes plays a crucial role in their potential to exhibit chirality and form enantiomers.

Geometric Isomerism

Geometric isomerism occurs when ligands in a coordination complex can be arranged in different spatial orientations, leading to distinct isomers. In octahedral complexes, for example, ligands can be positioned adjacent to each other (cis) or opposite each other (trans). This concept is vital for analyzing the given complexes, as it helps determine which can exist as enantiomers based on their geometric configurations.