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Question 74

Consider a neutral, mononuclear octahedral complex represented by the formula:
$$[\text{Co}(\text{gly})_{3}]$$
(where gly is the unsymmetrical bidentate glycinate ligand, NH₂CH₂COO⁻).Calculate the total number of stereoisomers (including both geometrical isomers and their corresponding optical enantiomers) that exist for this complex.


Correct Answer: 4

Solution

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  • Step 1: The complex $$[\text{Co}(\text{gly})_3]$$ belongs to the general formula $$[\text{M(AB)}_3]$$, where AB is an unsymmetrical bidentate ligand.
  • Step 2: This arrangement yields two distinct geometrical isomers:
    • Facial (fac): The three similar donor atoms (e.g., three Nitrogen atoms) occupy one triangular face of the octahedron.
    • Meridional (mer): The three similar donor atoms form a meridian around the central metal atom.
  • Step 3: Evaluate optical activity. Because of the unsymmetrical nature of the glycinate ring layouts, both the fac and the mer geometries lack any plane of symmetry (σ) or center of inversion (i).
  • Step 4: Therefore, both geometrical isomers are fully chiral and exist as distinct enantiomeric pairs (a d and l form for fac, and a d and l form for mer).
  • Total count: $$2 \text{ (fac forms)} + 2 \text{ (mer forms)} = 4$$.

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