The total number of isomers for a square planar complex: [MCl(F)(NO2)(SCN)] is:

🧠 Sq Pl with 4 Different Ligands + Ambidentate

$[\mathrm{MCl(F)(NO_2)(SCN)}]$: square planar with 4 different ligands. Both NO₂⁻ and SCN⁻ are ambidentate, multiplying isomer count.

🗺️ Step 1: Geometric Isomers ($MABCD$ sq pl)

Sq pl with 4 different ligands → 3 geometric isomers (each pair of ligands can be the trans pair: F-Cl, F-NO₂, or F-SCN, with the others trans).

🗺️ Step 2: Linkage Isomers

• NO₂⁻: 2 binding modes (N-bonded "nitro" or O-bonded "nitrito").
• SCN⁻: 2 binding modes (S-bonded "thiocyanato" or N-bonded "isothiocyanato").

Linkage multiplier per geometric isomer: $2 \times 2 = 4$.

🗺️ Step 3: Total

Total isomers $= 3 \text{ (geometric)} \times 4 \text{ (linkage combinations)} = 12$.

⚡ Sq Pl $MABCD$ Isomer Counting Rule

For sq pl $MABCD$, fix one ligand (say A) at a corner. The trans partner can be any of B, C, D → 3 distinct geometric isomers.

For each ambidentate ligand, multiply by 2.

⚠️ Octahedral Counting Differs

For octahedral $MABCDEF$, geometric isomers number 15 (or more with chirality). Don't apply sq pl formulas to octahedral.

$\boxed{\text{Answer: (1) 12}}$