Which of the following is used as an anticancer (anti-tumour) agent?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → cis-\([Pt(NH_3)_2Cl_2]\)
The platinum complex that inhibits the growth of tumours is cis-platin, cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II). Platinum is +2 here (\( x+2(0)+2(-1)=0 \)), and the complex is square planar, with the two \( \ce{Cl} \) ligands on adjacent corners of the square.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) \([RhCl(PPh_3)_3]\) — Incorrect. This is Wilkinson catalyst, used for the hydrogenation of alkenes, not a drug.
Option (3) trans-\([Pt(NH_3)_2Cl_2]\) — Incorrect. Here the two \( \ce{Cl} \) ligands lie opposite each other. This geometrical isomer is a different compound and is not the anticancer drug.
Option (4) EDTA — Incorrect. EDTA is a chelating ligand used in the treatment of lead poisoning, not against tumours.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Importance and Applications of Coordination Compounds – “… Some coordination compounds of platinum effectively inhibit the growth of tumours. Examples are: cis–platin and related compounds.”