The number of possible optical isomers for the complexes MA₂B₂ with sp³ and dsp² hybridized metal atom, respectively, is:
(A and B are unidentate neutral and unidentate monoanionic ligands, respective

Question

The number of possible optical isomers for the complexes MA₂B₂ with sp³ and dsp² hybridized metal atom, respectively, is:
(A and B are unidentate neutral and unidentate monoanionic ligands, respectively)

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 Analyze tetrahedral () and square planar () geometries of type  for chiral properties. Optical activity requires a molecule to be asymmetric (lacking a plane of symmetry).

Step 1: Tetrahedral () 
In a tetrahedron, any arrangement of two A and two B ligands is completely superimposable on its mirror image. A plane of symmetry can always be drawn passing through the central metal and the two A ligands, cleanly bisecting the two B ligands.
Optical isomers = 0.

Step 2: Square planar ()

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