JEE MAIN - Chemistry (2024 - 9th April Morning Shift - No. 15)

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): The total number of geometrical isomers shown by $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ complex ion is three.

Reason (R): $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ complex ion has an octahedral geometry.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Explanation

To evaluate the assertion and the reason, let's first analyze the given complex ion $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$.

1. Assertion (A): The total number of geometrical isomers shown by $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ complex ion is three.

2. Reason (R): $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ complex ion has an octahedral geometry.

First, we know that $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ is a coordination complex with $$\mathrm{Co}$$ (Cobalt) in the center coordinated to two ethylenediamine (en) ligands and two chlorides (Cl). Ethylenediamine is a bidentate ligand, meaning it binds through two donor atoms, giving the overall complex an octahedral geometry around the central cobalt ion.

To verify the assertion about the geometrical isomers:

In an octahedral complex, the two chlorides and the two $$\mathrm{en}$$ ligands can have different spatial arrangements relative to each other. Specifically, for $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$, the possible geometrical isomers are:

  • cis-isomer: where the two chlorides are adjacent to each other.
  • trans-isomer: where the two chlorides are opposite each other.

These two configurations are the typical geometrical isomers for this type of complex. Thus, the assertion that there are three geometrical isomers appears incorrect, as the common understanding is that there are only two geometrical isomers for this type of octahedral complex.

Now, let’s consider the reason:

The reason states that $$[\mathrm{Co}(\mathrm{en})_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2]^{+}$$ has an octahedral geometry. This statement is indeed correct because the coordination number of 6 (from the four donor atoms of the two $$\mathrm{en}$$ ligands and the two chloride ions) leads to an octahedral geometry.

Therefore, the most appropriate answer is:

Option B: (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

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