Q74P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

For any of the following that can exist as isomers, state the type of isomerism and draw the structures:

(a) [Zn(en)F₂]

(b) [Zn(H₂O)(NH₃)FCl] 

(c) [Pd(CN)₂(OH)₂] ^2-

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The 2 chemical structures given into the questions show isomerism. They exist as geometric (cis-trans) isomers and optical isomers while one structure doesn’t show any kind of isomerism. 

 

1. [Zn(en)F₂] - Optical isomerism
2. [Zn(H₂O)(NH₃)FCl]  - No isomerism
3. [Pd(CN)₂(OH)₂] ^2-- geometric (cis-trans) isomerism

Step 1: Concept Used – Isomerism

Definition of different kinds of isomers

 

1. Constitutional (structural) isomers - same formula, differently connected atoms; they can occur in two types:

 

1. Coordination isomers - they occur when the structure of the whole compound is the same, but the structure of complex ion is different

 

1. Linkage isomers - they occur when the structure of the complex ion is the    same, but the donor atom which ligand uses is different

 

1. Stereoisomers - they have the same connections between atoms, but the atoms have different spatial arrangements; they occur in two types:

 

1. Geometric (cis-trans) isomers - different spatial arrangements of atoms or groups, relative to the central metal ion.

 

1. Optical isomers - they occur when molecule cannot be superimposed with               its mirror image. 

 

 

Step 2: Elucidation of type of isomerism and structure

[Zn(en)F₂] - Optical isomerism

Step 3: Elucidation of type of isomerism and structure

[Zn(H₂O)(NH₃)FCl] - No Isomerism

Step 4: Elucidation of type of isomerism and structure

[Pd(CN)₂(OH)₂]^2- - geometric (cis-trans) isomerism