NVAMediumJEE 2026Isomerism in Coordination Compounds

JEE Chemistry 2026 Question with Solution

XX is the number of geometrical isomers exhibited by [Pt(NH3)(H2O)BrCl][\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)(H_2O)BrCl}]. YY is the number of optically inactive isomer(s) exhibited by [CrCl2(ox)2]3[\mathrm{CrCl_2(ox)_2}]^{3-}. ZZ is the number of geometrical isomers exhibited by [Co(NH3)3(NO2)3][\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3}].

Find the value of X+Y+ZX + Y + Z.

Answer

Correct answer:6

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given:

  • XX is the number of geometrical isomers of [Pt(NH3)(H2O)BrCl][\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)(H_2O)BrCl}].
  • YY is the number of optically inactive isomer(s) of [CrCl2(ox)2]3[\mathrm{CrCl_2(ox)_2}]^{3-}.
  • ZZ is the number of geometrical isomers of [Co(NH3)3(NO2)3][\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3}].

Find: X+Y+ZX + Y + Z

For [Pt(NH3)(H2O)BrCl][\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)(H_2O)BrCl}], the complex is square planar with a d8d^8 metal center Pt(II)\mathrm{Pt(II)}. Square planar complexes can exhibit geometrical isomerism. The possible isomers are cis and trans.

Therefore, X=2X = 2.

For [CrCl2(ox)2]3[\mathrm{CrCl_2(ox)_2}]^{3-}, the complex is octahedral and ox\mathrm{ox} is oxalate, a bidentate ligand. The solution states that all isomers formed are optically inactive and that the complex has 2 geometrical isomers, cis and trans.

Therefore, Y=2Y = 2.

For [Co(NH3)3(NO2)3][\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3}], the complex is octahedral and shows fac and mer geometrical isomerism.

Therefore, Z=2Z = 2.

Now add the values:

X+Y+Z=2+2+2=6X + Y + Z = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6

Therefore, the final value of X+Y+ZX + Y + Z is 66.

Casewise Isomer Count

Given: Three coordination compounds are to be analyzed for geometrical and optical inactivity counts.

Find: The value of X+Y+ZX + Y + Z.

  1. For [Pt(NH3)(H2O)BrCl][\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)(H_2O)BrCl}]:
  • This is a square planar complex.
  • With four different monodentate ligands in square planar geometry, geometrical isomerism is possible.
  • The two arrangements are cis and trans.

So,

X=2X = 2
  1. For [CrCl2(ox)2]3[\mathrm{CrCl_2(ox)_2}]^{3-}:
  • This is an octahedral complex.
  • ox\mathrm{ox} is a bidentate oxalate ligand.
  • The solution states that the complex has two geometrical isomers, cis and trans.
  • It also states that all isomers formed are optically inactive.

So,

Y=2Y = 2
  1. For [Co(NH3)3(NO2)3][\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3}]:
  • This is an octahedral complex of the type [MA3B3][\mathrm{MA_3B_3}].
  • Such complexes show fac and mer geometrical isomerism.

So,

Z=2Z = 2

Hence,

X+Y+Z=2+2+2=6X + Y + Z = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6

Thus, the required numerical value is 66.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that square planar complexes do not show geometrical isomerism here is incorrect. For [Pt(NH3)(H2O)BrCl][\mathrm{Pt(NH_3)(H_2O)BrCl}], different relative positions of ligands give cis and trans forms. Check adjacency and opposition of ligands carefully.

  • Confusing geometrical isomer count with optical activity in [CrCl2(ox)2]3[\mathrm{CrCl_2(ox)_2}]^{3-} leads to the wrong value of YY. The question asks for the number of optically inactive isomer(s), so use the solution conclusion for inactivity rather than counting only geometrical forms mechanically.

  • Missing the fac-mer pair in [Co(NH3)3(NO2)3][\mathrm{Co(NH_3)_3(NO_2)_3}] is a common error. For an octahedral complex of type [MA3B3][\mathrm{MA_3B_3}], the two geometrical isomers are fac and mer, not cis-trans.

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