Question

Which of the following complexes are heteroleptic?

(i) \[\ce{[Cr(NH3)6]^{3+}}\]

(ii) \[\ce{[Fe(NH3)4]Cl2]^+}\]

(iii) \[\ce{[Mn(CN)6]^{4-}}\]

(iv) \[\ce{[Co(NH3)4]Cl2]}\]

Answer 1

(ii) \[\ce{[Fe(NH3)4]Cl2]^+}\]

(iv) \[\ce{[Co(NH3)4]Cl2]}\]

Explanation:

Complexes in which a metal is bound to more than one kind of donor groups are known as heteroleptic. This condition is satisfied by complexes mentioned at \[\ce{[Cr(NH3)6]^{3+}}\] and \[\ce{[Co(NH3)4]Cl2]}\]  where the donor groups are \[\ce{NH3}\] and \[\ce{Cl2}\].