Question

Consider the complex ions, trans- $\left[ Co ( en ){ }_{2} Cl _{2}\right]^{+}( A )$ and cis$\left[ Co ( en ){ }_{2} Cl _{2}\right]^{+}( B ) .$ The correct statement regarding them is:

• A. both (A) and (B) can be optically active
• B. both (A) and (B) cannot be optically active
• C. (A) can be optically active, but (B) cannot be optically active
• D. (A) cannot be optically active, but (B) can be optically active

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

(A) trans-$\left[ Co ( en )_{2} Cl _{2}\right]^{+}$



$\Rightarrow $ (A) is trans form and shows plane of symmetry which is optically inactive (not optically active)

(B) cis- $\left[ Co ( en )_{2} Cl _{2}\right]^{+}$



$\Rightarrow ( B )$ is cis form and does not shows plane of symmetry, hence it is optically active