isomerism in transition metal complexes

what is an enantiomer?

isomers which are superimposable mirror images of each other

what is a chiral carbon?

C atom with 4 different attached groups

how does optical isomerism exist in transition metal complexes?

• exists in octahedral complexes when the ion has 3 bidentate ligands bonded to it

• these can ∴ form a pair of enantiomer

give an example of a transition metal complex displaying optical isomerism:

[Cu(en)₃]²⁺

what is cis-trans isomerism?

form of steroisomerism where identical groups can be positioned either adjacent (cis) or opposite (trans) each other

where can cis-trans isomerism be seen in transition metal complexes?

• square planar complexes that have 2 pairs of ligands

• octahedral complexes - 2 of one ligand, 4 of another 

give a complex that displays cis-trans isomerism and name the two isomers:

PtCl₂(NH₃)₂:

• cis isomer = cisplatin

• trans isomer = transplatin 

how do we distinguish between cis and trans isomers in octahedral complexes?

• if the 2 ligands which are the same are opposite each other and so have an angle of 180^o between them = trans

• if the 2 ligands which are the same next to each other and so have an angle of 90^o between them = cis