Question

The number of geometric isomers that can exist for square planar [Pt(Cl)(py)(NH₃)(NH₂OH)]⁺ is (py = pyridine) ______.

Options

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 6

Answer 1

The number of geometric isomers that can exist for square planar [Pt(Cl)(py)(NH₃)(NH₂OH)]⁺ is (py = pyridine) 3.

Explanation:

The complex [Pt(Cl)(py)(NH₃)(NH₂OH)]⁺ can indeed have 3 geometrical isomers for the following reasons:

• Cis-trans isomerism occurs between the NH₃ and NH₂OH ligands. This is because these two ligands can either be adjacent (cis) or opposite (trans) in the square planar geometry.
• Additionally, there is a chiral isomer due to the asymmetric arrangement of the ligands around the metal center. This results in non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers).

So, the complex can have 3 isomers in total: one cis form, one trans form, and one chiral form.