Which of the following is a heteroleptic complex? |
$[Cr(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$ $[Fe(NH_3)_6]^{3+}$ $[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]$ $[Mn(CN)_6]^{4-}$ |
$[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]$ |
The correct answer is Option (3) → $[Co(NH_3)_4Cl_2]$ A heteroleptic complex contains more than one type of ligand attached to the central metal ion. A homoleptic complex contains only one type of ligand. Option-wise Explanation 1. $[\text{Cr}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}$ All six ligands are $\text{NH}_3$ (ammine). Only one kind of ligand is present. This is a homoleptic complex. 2. $[\text{Fe}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}$ Again, six identical $\text{NH}_3$ ligands coordinate to iron. Since there is only one ligand type, it is also homoleptic. 3. $[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_4\text{Cl}_2]$ This complex contains two different ligands: $\text{NH}_3$ and $\text{Cl}^-$. Because more than one ligand type is present, this is a heteroleptic complex. 4. $[\text{Mn}(\text{CN})_6]^{4-}$ All six ligands are $\text{CN}^-$. Only one ligand type is involved, so this is homoleptic. |