Question

The species that can have a trans-isomer is ______.

(en = ethane-1, 2-diamine, ox = oxalate)

Options

• [Cr(en)₂(ox)]⁺

• [Pt(en)Cl₂]

• [Pt(en)₂Cl₂]²⁺

• [Zn(en)Cl₂]

Answer 1

The species that can have a trans-isomer is `bbunderline([Pt(en)_2Cl_2]^(2+))`.

Explanation:

• [Pt(en)₂]Cl₂]²⁺ is an octahedral complex, where the en (ethane-1,2-diamine) ligands are bidentate and form a coordination sphere around Pt²⁺.
• In an octahedral geometry, two Cl⁻ ions can be placed opposite each other, resulting in a trans-isomer.
• The other complexes either do not have the correct geometry or cannot have trans-isomerism due to the arrangement of their ligands.