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Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination ChemistryProblem 21.94
Chapter 21, Problem 21.94

Draw the structure of all isomers of the octahedral complex [NbX2Cl4]- (X- = NCS-), and identify those that are linkage isomers.

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Identify the coordination number and geometry of the complex. The complex [NbX_2Cl_4]^- has a coordination number of 6, which corresponds to an octahedral geometry.
Determine the possible positions for the ligands in the octahedral complex. In an octahedral complex, there are six positions around the central metal ion.
Consider the different ways to arrange the ligands. For [NbX_2Cl_4]^-, you can have the X ligands (NCS^-) and Cl ligands in different positions, leading to different isomers.
Draw the possible geometric isomers. In an octahedral complex, you can have cis and trans isomers depending on the relative positions of the same ligands.
Identify linkage isomers. Linkage isomers occur when a ligand can bind through different atoms. For NCS^-, it can bind through N (nitrogen) or S (sulfur), leading to different linkage isomers.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Octahedral Complexes

Octahedral complexes are coordination compounds where a central metal atom is surrounded by six ligands arranged at the corners of an octahedron. The geometry and spatial arrangement of these ligands can lead to different isomers, including geometric and optical isomers, which are crucial for understanding the properties and reactivity of the complex.
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For octahedral complexes, Weak-Field Ligands create High-spin complexes and Strong-Field Ligands create Low-spin complexes.

Isomerism in Coordination Compounds

Isomerism in coordination compounds refers to the existence of compounds with the same formula but different arrangements of atoms or ligands. In octahedral complexes, isomers can be classified into structural isomers, such as linkage isomers, where ligands can bind to the metal in different ways, affecting the compound's properties and reactivity.
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Isomerism in Coordination Complexes Example

Linkage Isomers

Linkage isomers occur when a ligand can coordinate to the metal center through different atoms. For example, in the case of the thiocyanate ion (NCS-), it can bind through the nitrogen or the sulfur atom, leading to distinct isomers. Identifying these isomers is essential for understanding the chemical behavior and potential applications of the complex.
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Isomers
Related Practice
Textbook Question

What is the name of the compound [Fe(H2O)5(SCN)]Cl2? 

(a) pentaaquathiocyanatoiron(III) chloride 

(b) pentaaquachlorothiocyanato iron(III) 

(c) pentaaquathiocyanatoiron(III) dichloride

(d) pentaaquathiocyanatoiron(II) chloride

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Textbook Question

For each of the following complexes, draw a crystal field energy-level diagram, assign the electrons to orbitals, and predict the number of unpaired electrons. 

(a) [CrF6]3-

(b) [V(H2O)6]3+

(c) [Fe(CN)6]3-

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Textbook Question

The Ni2+(aq) cation is green, but Zn2+(aq) is colorless. Explain.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following complexes can exist as enantiomers? Draw their structures.

(a) [Cr(en)3]3+

(b) cis-[Co(NH3)Cl]2+

(c) trans-[Co(en)2(NH3)Cl]2+

(d) [Pt(NH3)3Cl3]+

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Textbook Question

Predict the crystal field energy-level diagram for a linear ML2 complex that has two ligands along the :

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Textbook Question

Predict the number of unpaired electrons for each of the following. 

(a) Sc3+

(b) Co2+

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