The cation [Rh(en)₂(NCS)(NO₂)]⁺ holds two symmetric rings (en), one thiocyanate that can bond…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
The cation holds two symmetric rings (en), one thiocyanate that can bond through N or S, and one nitrite that can bond through N or O. Find the number of stereoisomers of the shape, the number of linkage combinations, and the total number of isomers.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Write the complex as trans pairs. The same pairs mean the same geometrical isomer. For monodentate ligands a mirror plane exists if one pair is two identical ligands or two pairs are the same. A ring takes two cis corners. Stereoisomers = geometrical isomers + chiral isomers.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The shape. With two rings and two single ligands B and C, the single ligands are trans (1 form) or cis (2 mirror images). That is 3 stereoisomers.
Step 2. Linkage. Thiocyanate has 2 ways to bond and nitrite has 2. So combinations.
Step 3. Total. Each combination can take each of the three shapes: .
Check. Each factor is independent of the others, so multiplying is right.
Answer: 3, 4 and 12.
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