The number of optical isomers exhibited by the iron complex (A) obtained from the following reaction is .

Question

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 Write out the balanced equation to identify the product complex, then analyze its geometry and symmetry to count the optical isomers.

Step 1: Identify the complex A
The reaction is:

Complex A is , potassium trioxalatoferrate(III).

Step 2: Analyze symmetry
The complex anion  features an  center coordinated by three bidentate oxalate ligands ().
This forms an octahedral complex of the type .
Complexes of type  completely lack any plane or center of symmetry. Because it is asymmetric,

More questions from Coordination Compounds