IIT-JEE 2008 · Paper 2 · Chemistry Q56

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ChemistryAssertion and reason+3 / -1Question 56 of 66

STATEMENT-1: The geometrical isomers of the complex $\ce{[M(NH3)4Cl2]}$ are optically inactive.

and

STATEMENT-2: Both geometrical isomers of the complex $\ce{[M(NH3)4Cl2]}$ possess axis of symmetry.

STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1

STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1

STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is False

STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT-2 is True

Answer and worked solution

Official answer: B

Statement 1. Both the cis and trans isomers of octahedral $\ce{[MA4B2]}$ have mirror planes, so neither is chiral: optically inactive. True.

Statement 2. Both isomers do possess rotation axes (e.g. a $C_4$ in trans, a $C_2$ in cis). True. But an axis of symmetry does not rule out chirality; it is the planes of symmetry that make them inactive. Not the explanation.

(B)

Topics:Isomerism in complexes

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IIT-JEE 2008 · Paper 2, Chemistry question 56