University of Botswana

Chemistry Department

CHE 321 Tutorial 2_Solutions

1.Write down the IUPAC name for each of the following complexes, indicate the oxidation state,
write the d-electronic configuration and coordination number. Also, state the type(s) of isomers
possible for each.

(i) K[Cr(H2O)2(ox)2].3H2O

(ii) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2

(iii) CrCl3(py)3

(iv) Cs[FeCl4]

(v) K4[Mn(CN)6]

Solution
(i) Potassium diaquadioxalatochromate(III) trihydrate
Oxidation state = +3
Electronic configuration = 3d3 : t2g3
Coordination number = 6
Stereochemistry = Geometric isomers (cis and trans) and optical isomers

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(ii) Pentaamminechloridocobalt(III) chloride

Oxidation State = +3

Electronic configuration = d6 : t2g6

Coordination number = 6

Stereochemistry = Optical isomers

(iii) Trichloridotripyridinechromium(III)

Oxidation state = +3

Electronic configuration = d3 : t2g3

Coordination number = 6

Stereochemistry = Facial and meridional isomers ; these are also optically active

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(iv) Cesium tetrachloroferrate(III)

Oxidation state = +3

Electronic Configuration

Coordination number = 4

Stereochemistry = Optically inactive

(v) Potassium hexacyanomanganate(II)

Oxidation state = +2

Electronic configuration = d5 : t2g5

Coordination number = 6

Stereochemistry = Optically inactive

2. Explain why zinc form colorless solutions as compared to other transition metals.

Solution

Zn(II), d10, is colourless - eg level is filled, electrons cannot be promoted from t2g to eg

3. For a complex with the coordination number five, two types of geometries are possible. Name
these two geometries with their structural representative.

Solution

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4. Draw and identify all possible isomers for the following complexes.

i) Octahedral [Co(NO2)3(NH3)3]-

ii) Square planar [IrH(CO)PR3)2]

Solution

i. mer-isomer and fac-isomer

ii. cis isomer and trans isomer

5. Explain linkage isomerism in coordination complexes by giving one example.

Solution

Some donor atoms in monodentate ligands may become attached in more than one way to the
metal center resulting in isomeric compounds. This is common in bidentate ligands of NO2- and
ONO-