Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: Coordination Compounds

Question:

What is the formula for the Tetraammineaquachloridocobalt (III) chloride coordination compound?

Options:

$[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]Cl_2$

$[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)_2]Cl_3$

$[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl_2]Cl$

$[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]Cl.H_2O$

Correct Answer:

$[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]Cl_2$

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → $[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]Cl_2$

In coordination compounds, the name inside the brackets tells us the ligands directly bonded to the metal ion, and the last word (outside "chloride") indicates counter-ions outside the coordination sphere.

Breaking the name: Tetraammineaquachloridocobalt(III)

  • Cobalt(III) $\rightarrow$ metal ion is $Co^{3+}$.
  • Tetraammine $\rightarrow$ $4 \, NH_3$ ligands (neutral).
  • Aqua $\rightarrow$ $1 \, H_2O$ ligand (neutral).
  • Chlorido $\rightarrow$ $1 \, Cl^-$ ligand (inside coordination sphere).

Total ligand charge inside complex:

$NH_3 (0) + H_2O (0) + Cl^- (-1)$

So, charge on complex ion:

$Co^{3+} + (-1) = +2$

Complex ion = $[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]^{2+}$          

Final word: chloride

This means chloride ions are present outside the coordination sphere as counter ions.

To balance $+2$ charge $\rightarrow$ need $2 \text{ Cl}^-$

$[Co(NH_3)_4(H_2O)Cl]Cl_2$

Why other options are incorrect

Option 2: has two aqua ligands and no coordinated chloride $\rightarrow$ does not match the name.

Option 3: has two coordinated chlorides, but name mentions only one chlorido.

Option 4: shows two chlorides inside and water outside $\rightarrow$ wrong ligand positions.