Geometrical Isomerism
Geometrical Isomerism
Only occurs in Square Planar and Octahedral complexes where there are pairs of different ligands.
Cis-isomer
- Identical ligands are adjacent to each other (90°).
- Usually Polar due to an imbalance in charge distribution (dipoles do not cancel).
Trans-isomer
- Identical ligands are opposite to each other (180° apart).
- Usually Non-Polar because the dipoles perfectly cancel each other out.
Square Planar Geometric Isomerism
Square Planar Geometric Isomerism
- Only with monodentate ligands
- Complexes of type
Example:
Cis and Trans Platin
Octahedral Geometric Isomerism
Octahedral Geometric Isomerism
With Monodentate Ligands:
With Bidentate Ligands
Example 1:
Example 2:
Optical Isomerism
Optical Isomerism
- Only occurs in octahedral complexes with at least 2 bidentate ligands.
- The isomers have identical chemical and physical properties but rotate plane polarised light in opposite directions.
Example:
Polarity of Complexes
Example: Polarity in Cis and Trans Platin
- Cisplatin is a drug used to treat cancer, it binds to DNA and prevents cell division.
Difference in polarity of cis and trans platin
Example: Polarity in Cis and Trans
