Cis-trans isomerism is observed in
A$[\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)_2\,Cl_2}]$ (square planar)
B$[\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_6}]^{3+}$ (octahedral, all same ligands)
C$[\mathrm{NiCl_4}]^{2-}$ (tetrahedral)
D$[\mathrm{Ag(NH_3)_2}]^+$ (linear)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. $[\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)_2\,Cl_2}]$ (square planar)
1. Your syllabus: cis-trans isomerism occurs when two identical ligands can be placed adjacent (cis) or opposite (trans) in the coordination sphere.
2. $[\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)_2\,Cl_2}]$ is SQUARE PLANAR with 2 NH$_3$ and 2 Cl. The two NH$_3$ ligands can either be ADJACENT (cis — same edge) or OPPOSITE (trans — diagonal). Two distinct isomers.
3. cis-platin (the cis isomer) is a famous anticancer drug; the trans isomer is therapeutically inactive — same atoms, different geometry, different biology.
4. Option B has identical ligands all six — no isomerism possible. Option C tetrahedral with 4 identical Cl has no cis/trans choice. Option D is LINEAR — only one arrangement.
5. Note: cis-trans isomerism requires at least TWO different ligand types in a geometry that allows distinct adjacent/opposite placements (square planar with 2:2 or octahedral with 4:2 / 2:2:2 stoichiometries are the typical cases).
_Source: syllabus Chemistry Part 1, Ch 5, §5.5.2 (Geometrical isomerism — cis/trans in square planar), p. 8._
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