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. NCERT §5.5.2 (Geometrical Isomerism): 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: NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Part 1, Ch 5, §5.5.2 (Geometrical isomerism — cis/trans in square planar), p. 8._
Related questions
Which of the following is TRUE about a double salt vs a complex?The correct IUPAC name of [NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂] isThe coordination sphere of K₄[Fe(CN)₆] isThe correct order of ligand denticity, from smallest to largest, isChelate complexes tend to be more stable than similar complexes with unidentate ligands. TThe primary and secondary valences of Co in [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ are respectivelyWhich of the following is a homoleptic complex?Which coordination polyhedron does [Ni(CO)₄] adopt?