Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the chirality (optical isomerism) of the cis and trans isomers of the type $M(a a)_{2} b_{2}(M$ stands for a metal, $a$ and $b$ are achiral ligands and $a a$ is a bidentate ligand)?

• A. The trans form is achiral and optically inactive while the cis form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms.
• B. Both the cis and trans forms are achiral and optically inactive.
• C. The trans form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms while the cis form is achiral and optically inactive.
• D. Both the cis and trans forms are chiral, and each exists in two enantiomeric forms.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$Cis$ is optically active and trans is optically inactive.