Very Short Answer Questions

Very Short Answer Questions (PYQ)

Q.1. What type of isomerism is exhibited by the following complex:
[CBSE (F) 2014]

[Co(NH3)5SO4]Cl

Ans. Ionisation isomerism

Q.2. What type of isomerism is shown by the following complex:

[CBSE (F) 2014]

[Co(NH3)6] [Cr(CN)6]

Ans. Coordination isomerism

Q.3. Which of the following is more stable complex and why? [Co(NH 3)6]3+ and
[Co(en)3]3+

[CBSE Delhi 2014]

Ans. [Co(en)3]3+ is more stable complex because of chelation.

Q.4. Why is the complex [Co(en)3]3+ more stable than the complex [CoF6]3–?

[CBSE East 2016]

Ans. Due to chelate effect as the complex [Co(en)3]3+ contains chelating ligand

.
Q.5. Why is CO a stronger ligand than Cl– ?

[CBSE (F) 2011]

Ans. CO is a stronger ligand than Cl– as it is a π-acceptor ligand.

Q.6. Give an example of linkage isomerism.

[CBSE Delhi 2010]

Ans. The example of linkage isomerism: [Co(NH3)5NO2]2+ and [Co(NH3)5ONO]2+.
Q.7. What do you understand by ‘denticity of a ligand’?

[CBSE (F) 2011]

Ans. The number of coordinating groups present in ligand is called the denticity of ligand.
For example, denticity of ethane-1, 2-diamine is 2, as it has two donor nitrogen atoms
which can link to central metal atom.
Q.8. Define crystal field splitting energy.

[CBSE (F) 2016]

Ans. When ligand approach a transition metal ion, the d-orbitals split into two sets, one
with lower energy and the other with higher energy. The difference of energy between the
two sets of orbitals is known as crystal field splitting energy.

Very Short Answer Questions (OIQ)

Q.1. What are crystal fields?
Ans. The ligands especially anionic (or polar neutral ligands) has around them negatively
charged field because of which they are called crystal fields.
Q.2. Square planar complexes with coordination number of four exhibit geometrical
isomerism whereas tetrahedral complexes do not. Why?
Ans. Tetrahedral complexes do not show geometrical isomerism because the relative
positions of the ligands attached to the central metal atom are same with respect to each
other.
Q.3. Do we call metal carbonyls as organometallics? Why?
Ans. Yes, metal carbonyls are called organometallics because C atom of CO is linked to the
metal atom. In fact, the metal–carbon bonds have both σ and π character.
Q.4. What is spectrochemical series?
Ans. The series in which ligands are arranged in the order of increasing field strength is
called spectrochemical series. The order is

I– < Br– < SCN – < Cl – < S2– < F – < OH – < C2O42– < H2O < NCS < EDTA4– < NH3 < en < CN – < CO

Q.5. Why are low spin tetrahedral complexes not formed?

[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Because for tetrahedral complexes, the crystal field stabilisation energy is lower than
pairing energy.
Q.6. Which isomer of [CoCl2(en)2]+ does not show optical isomerism?
Ans. Trans isomer does not show optical isomerism.
Q.7. How many isomers are there for octahedral complex [CoCl2(en)(NH3)2]+?

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. There will be three isomers: cis and trans isomers. Cis will also show optical
isomerism.
Q.8. Which compound is used to estimate the hardness of water volumetrically?
Ans. EDTA.
Q.9. A coordination compound with the molecular formula CrCl3.4H2O precipitates
AgCl with AgNO3 solution. Its molar conductivity is found to be equivalent to two
ions. What is the structural formula and name of the compound?

[HOTS]

Ans. [Cr(H2O)4Cl2]Cl; Tetraaquadichloridochromium(III) chloride

Q.10. Arrange the following complexes in the order of increasing electrical
conductivity:

[HOTS]

[Co(NH3)3Cl3], [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 , [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 , [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl

Ans. [o(NH3)3Cl3] < [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl < [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 < [Co(NH3)6]Cl3

Q.11. Give IUPAC name of linkage isomer of [Co(NH3)5(NO2)]2+.

[HOTS]

Ans. The linkage isomer is [Co(NH3)5(ONO)]2+. Its IUPAC name is Pentaaminenitrito-O-

cobalt (III).
Q.12. Write IUPAC name of coordination isomer of [Co(NH3)6] [Cr(CN)6].

[HOTS]

Ans. The coordination isomer is [Cr(NH3)6] [Co(CN)6], Hexaamminechromium(III)

hexacyanidocobaltate(III).
Q.13. A complex of the type [M(AA)2X2]n+ is known to be optically active. What does
this indicate about the structure of the complex? Give one example of such complex.

[NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]

Ans. An optically active complex of the type [M(AA)2X2]n+ indicates cis-octahedral

structure, e.g., cis-[Pt(en)2Cl2]2+ or cis-Cr(en)2Cl2]+.
Q.14. Name a complex used in treatment of cancer.
Ans. Cisplatin {cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2])} is used in the treatment of cancer.
 Short Answer Questions-I

Short Answer Questions-I (PYQ)

Q.1. Give the formula of each of the following coordination entities:

i. Co3+ ion is bound to one Cl–, one NH3 molecule and two bidentate ethylene
diamine (en) molecules.
ii. Ni2+ ion is bound to two water molecules and two oxalate ions.

Write the name and magnetic behaviour of each of the above coordination entities.

(At. nos. Co = 27, Ni = 28)

[CBSE Delhi 2012]

Ans. (i). [Co(NH3)Cl(en)2]2+ : Amminechloridobis (ethane-1, 2-diamine)-cobalt(III) ion

Magnetic behaviour : Diamagnetic
(ii). [Ni(H2O)2(ox)2]2– : Diaquadioxalatonickelate (II) ion
Magnetic behaviour : Paramagnetic
Q.2. Answer the following questions:

Q. Write the IUPAC name of the isomer of the following complex:

Pt(NH3)2Cl2]

Ans. cis-Diamminedichloridoplatinum (II) and trans-Diamminedichloridoplatinum (II)

Q. Write the formula for the following:

Tetraammineaquachloridocobalt (III) nitrate

[CBSE (F) 2017]

Ans. [Co(NH3)4(H2O)Cl](NO3)2

Q.3. Using IUPAC norms write the formulae for the following:

i. Tris(ethane-1, 2-diamine) chromium (III) chloride

ii. Potassium tetrahydroxozincate(II)
 [CBSE (AI) 2017]

Ans.

i. [Cr(en)3]Cl3
ii. K2[Zn(OH)4]

Q.4. When a coordination compound CrCl3.6H2O is mixed with AgNO3, 2 moles of AgCl
are precipitated per mole of the compound. Write

i. structural formula of the complex.

ii. IUPAC name of the complex.

[CBSE Delhi 2016] [HOTS]

Ans. (i). [Cr(H2O)5Cl]Cl2.H2O

(ii). Pentaaquachloridochromium (III) Chloride monohydrate.

Q.5. When a coordination compound PtCl4.6NH3 is mixed with AgNO3, 4 moles of AgCl
are precipitated per mole of the compound. Write

Q. structural formula of the complex.

Ans. [Pt(NH3)6]Cl4

Q. IUPAC name of the complex.

[CBSE East 2016] [HOTS]

Ans. Hexaammineplatinum (IV) chloride

Q.6. For the complex [Fe(CN)6]3–, write the hybridisation type, magnetic character and
spin nature of the complex. (At. Number : Fe = 26).

[CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans.
 d2sp3 hybridisation
 Paramagnetic in nature and low spin complex.

Q.7. Write the state of hybridisation, shape and IUPAC name of the complex [CoF6]3–.

(Atomic no. of Co = 27)

[CBSE (F) 2014]

Ans.

Hybridisation = sp3d 2, Shape = Octahedral

Q.8. For the complex [Fe(CO)5], write the hybridization, magnetic character and spin
of the complex.

(At. number: Fe = 26)

[CBSE (F) 2016]

Ans.

Q.9. What is meant by crystal field splitting energy? On the basis of crystal field theory,
write the electronic configuration of d 4 in terms of t2g and eg in an octahedral field
when

i. Δ0 > P
ii. Δ0 < P
 [CBSE (AI) 2013]

Ans. The difference of energy between two sets of degenerate orbitals after crystal field
splitting is known as crystal field splitting energy.

Short Answer Questions-I (OIQ)

Q.1. What is the relationship between observed colour of the complex and the
wavelength of light absorbed by the complex?

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. When white light falls on the complex, some part of it is absorbed. Higher the crystal
field splitting, lower will be the wavelength absorbed by the complex. The observed colour
of complex is the colour generated from the wavelength left over.

Q.2. Why do compounds having similar geometry have different magnetic moment?

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. It is due to the presence of weak and strong ligands in complexes, if CFSE is high, the
complex will show low value of magnetic moment and vice versa, e.g., [CoF6]3– and
[Co(NH3)6]3+, the former is paramagnetic and the latter is diamagnetic.

Q.3. CuSO4.5H2O is blue in colour while CuSO4 is colourless. Why?

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. In CuSO4.5H2O, water acts as ligand as a result it causes crystal field splitting. Hence,
d–d transition is possible in CuSO4.5H2O and shows colour. In the anhydrous CuSO 4 due to
the absence of water (ligand), crystal field splitting is not possible and hence it is
colourless.

Q.4. Explain why [Fe(H2O)6]3+ has magnetic moment value of 5.92 BM whereas
[Fe(CN)6]3– has a value of only 1.74 BM.

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. [Fe(CN)6]3– involves d 2sp3 hybridisation with one unpaired electron and
[Fe(H2O)6]3+ involves sp3d 2hybridisation with five unpaired electrons. This difference is
due to the presence of strong CN – and weak ligand H2O in these complexes.
Q.5. Write the formulae of the following coordination compounds:

i. Tetraamminediaquacobalt(III) chloride
ii. Tris (ethane-1, 2-diamine) chromium(III) chloride

Ans.

i. [Co(NH3)4(H2O)2]Cl3
ii. [Cr(en)3]Cl3

Q.6. The π-complexes are known for transition metals only. Why?

Ans. Transition metals have vacant d-orbitals in their atoms or ions into which the electron
pairs can be donated by ligands containing π-electrons, e.g., C6H6, CH2=CH2, etc.
Thus, dπ – pπ bonding is possible.

Q.7. Using valence bond theory explain the [Co(NH3)6]3+ in relation to the terms given
below:

i. Type of hybridisation
ii. Inner or outer orbital complex
iii. Magnetic behaviour
iv. Spin only magnetic moment value.

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. [Co(NH3)6]3+

Co3+ = 3d 6

i. d 2sp3
ii. Inner orbital complex
iii. Diamagnetic
iv. Zero.

Q.8. On the basis of crystal field theory explain why Co(III) forms paramagnetic
octahedral complex with weak field ligands whereas it forms diamagnetic octahedral
complex with strong field ligands.

[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans.

Q.9. Indicate the types of isomerism exhibited by the following complexes and draw
the structures for these isomers:

i. [Pt(NH3)(H2O)Cl2]
ii. K[Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]

Ans. (i).Geometrical isomers can exist.

(ii). Both geometrical (cis–trans) and optical isomers for cis can exist.

a. Geometrical isomers of K[Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]:

 b. Optical isomers (d- and l-) of cis-K[Cr(H2O)2(C2O4)2]:

Q.10. Answer the following questions:

Q. Write the IUPAC name of Fe4 [Fe(CN)6]3.

Ans. Iron (III) hexacyanoferrate (II).

Q. Write all the possible isomers of [Co(NH3)5(SCN)]Cl.

Ans. [Co(NH3)5(SCN)]Cl, [Co(NH3)5(NCS)]Cl, [Co(NH3)5Cl]SCN, [Co(NH3)5Cl]NCS.

MA5B type complexes do not show geometrical or optical isomerism.

Q.11. An octahedral complex is prepared by mixing CoCl3 and NH3 in the molar ratio
1 : 4, 0.1 m solution of this complex was found to freeze at 0.372°C. What is the
formula of the complex? Given that molal depression constant (Kf) for water =
1.86°C/m.

[HOTS]

Ans. Theoretical value of

Observed value of ΔTf = 0.372°C.

As observed ΔTf is twice the theoretical value, this shows that each molecule of the complex
dissociate to form two ions. This can be possible only if the formula of the complex is
[Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl.

Q.12. Write the IUPAC name of the ionisation isomer of the coordination compound
[Co(NH3)5Br]SO4. Give one chemical test to distinguish between the two compounds.

[CBSE Sample Paper 2016] [HOTS]

Ans. Ionisation isomer is [Co(NH3)5SO4]Br.

The IUPAC name is Pentaamminesulphatocobalt(III)bromide.

The isomer [Co(NH3)5Br]SO4 will give SO2−4 ions in the solution which gives white
precipitate with BaCl2solution. The isomer [Co(NH3)5SO4]Br will give Br– ions in the solution
which gives yellow precipitate with AgNO3 solution.

Q.13. A chloride of fourth group cation in qualitative analysis gives a green coloured
complex [A] in aqueous solution which when treated with ethane-1, 2-diamine (en)
gives pale-yellow solution [B] which on subsequent addition of ethane-1, 2-diamine
turns to blue/purple [C] and finally to violet [D]. Write the structures of complexes
[A], [B], [C] and [D].

[CBSE Sample Paper 2017]

Ans. A = [Ni(H2O)6]2+

B = [Ni(H2O)4 (en)]2+

C = [Ni(H2O)2(en)2]2+

D = [Ni(en)3]2+

Q.14. Answer the following questions:

Q. Write formula of a chelate complex and give its IUPAC name.

Ans.

Q. Name two complexes which are used in medicines.

Ans.

a. The platinum complex, cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] known as cisplatin is used in the treatment

of cancer.
b. Ca–EDTA complex is used in the treatment of lead poisoning.

Q.15. Answer the following questions:

Q. What is meant by chelate effect?

Ans. When a bidentate or polydentate ligand is bonded through two or more donor sites to
a metal ion and forms a ring structure then it is said to be chelating ligand. Chelating
ligands form more stable complexes than monodentate analogs. This is called chelating
effect.

Q. Square complexes of MX2A2 type with coordination number of 4 exhibit

geometrical isomerism whereas tetrahedral complexes with similar composition do
not. Why?

Ans. Square planar complexes of MA2X2 type with coordination number 4 exhibit
geometrical isomerism because any of the two ligand may be arranged adjacent to each
other in a cis- form or opposite to each other in a trans- form. Tetrahedral complexes of this
type do not show geometrical isomerism because the relative positions of the monodentate
ligands attached to the central metal atom are same with respect to each other.

Q.16. Write IUPAC names of the following coordination compounds:

i. K3[Fe(C2O4)3]
ii. K2[PdCl4]

Ans.

i. Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III)
ii. Potassium tetrachloridopalladate(II)
 Short Answer Questions-II

Short Answer Questions-II (PYQ)

Q.1. Giving a suitable example for each, explain the following:

Q. Crystal field splitting

Ans. Crystal field splitting: When the ligands approach the central metal ion, the electrons
in the d-orbitals of central metal ion will be repelled by the lone pairs of the ligands.
Because of these interactions the degeneracy of d-orbitals of the metal ion is lost and these
split into two sets of orbitals having different energies. This is known as crystal field

splitting, e.g., for d 4, configuration is , in the presence of weak field ligand.

Q. Linkage isomerism

Ans. Linkage isomerism: The isomers which have same molecular formula but differ in the
linkage of ligand atom to the central metal atom are called linkage isomers, e.g.,

Co(NH3)5NO2]Cl2 and [Co(NH3)5ONO]Cl2

Q. Ambidentate ligand

[CBSE (AI) 2009]

Ans. Ambidentate ligand: A unidentate ligand which can bind to the central metal atom
through any of the two donor atoms present in it is called ambidentate ligand, e.g., NO2 can
bind to metal either through nitro-N or through oxygen atom, i.e., as nitrito-
O

Q.2. Explain the following giving an example in each case:

Q. Linkage isomerism

Ans. Linkage isomerism: This type of isomerism arises due to the presence of an
ambidentate ligand in a coordination compound. Some examples of linkage isomers are:

Q. An outer orbital complex

Ans. Outer orbital complex: When ns, np and nd orbitals are involved in hybridisation,
outer orbital complex is formed, e.g., [CoF6]2– in which cobalt is sp3d 2 hybridised.

Q. A bidentate ligand

[CBSE (F) 2009]

Ans.

Q.3. Answer the following questions:

Q. What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Cr(H2O)6]Cl3?

Ans. Hydration isomerism is shown by complex [Cr(H2O)6]Cl3.

Q. On the basis of crystal field theory, write the electronic configuration for d4 ion if
Δ0 > P.

Ans.

Q. Write the hybridisation and shape of [CoF 6]3–.

(Atomic number of Co = 27)

[CBSE Allahabad 2015]

Ans. Co3+ : 3d 6 4s0

Hybridisation = sp3d 2; Shape = Octahedral

Q.4. Answer the following questions:

Q. For the complex [Fe(H2O)6]3+, write the hybridisation, magnetic character and spin
of the complex. (At. number: Fe = 26)

Ans.

Q. Draw one of the geometrical isomers of the complex [Pt(en)2Cl2]2+ which is

optically inactive.

[CBSE Central 2016]

Ans. (ii).

Q.5. Write the name, stereochemistry and magnetic behaviour of the following:

(At. nos. Mn = 25, Co = 27, Ni = 28)

i. K4[Mn(CN)6]
ii. [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2
iii. K2[Ni(CN)4]

[CBSE Delhi 2011]

Ans.

S. Hybridisation of Geometry Magnetic

Name of the complex
No. metal ion involved of complex behaviour
Potassium hexacyano
(i) d 2sp3 Octahedral Paramagnetic
manganate (II)
Pentaamminechloridocobalt
(ii) d 2sp3 Octahedral Diamagnetic
(III) chloride
Potassium tetra cyanonickelate Square
(iii) dsp2 Diamagnetic
(II) planar

Q.6. Write the name, the structure and the magnetic behaviour of each one of the
following complexes:

i. [Pt(NH3)2Cl(NO2)]
ii. [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl
iii. [Ni(CO)4]

(At. nos. Co = 27, Ni = 28, Pt = 78)

[CBSE Delhi 2012]

Ans.

i. [Pt(NH3)2ClNO2]: Diamminechloridonitrito-N-platinum (II); Pt2+ = 5d 8

Structure = Square planar; Magnetic behaviour : Diamagnetic

ii. [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl: Tetraamminedichloridocobalt (III) chloride; Co 3+ = 3d 6

Structure = Octahedral; Magnetic behaviour : Diamagnetic

iii. [Ni(CO)4] : Tetracarbonyl nickel(0); Ni = 3d 8 4s2
 Structure = Tetrahedral; Magnetic behaviour : Diamagnetic

Q.7. Name the following coordination entities and describe their structures:

i. [Fe(CN)6]4–
ii. [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]+
iii. [Ni(CN)4]2–

(Atomic Numbers: Fe = 26, Cr = 24, Ni = 28)

[CBSE (AI) 2012]

Ans.

i. [Fe(CN)6]4– = Hexacyanoferrate (II) ion; Fe2+(3d 6)

d 2sp3 hybridisation in [Fe(CN)6]4– leads to octahedral structure.

ii. [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]+ = Tetraamminedichloridochromium (III) ion; Cr 3+(3d 3)

d 2sp3 hybridisation in [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]+ leads to octahedral structure.

iii. [Ni(CN)4]2– = Tetracyanonickelate(II)ion; Ni2+(II) (3d 8)

dsp2 hybridisation in [Ni(CN)4]2– leads to square planar structure.

Q.8. Give the name, the stereochemistry and the magnetic behaviour of the following
complexes:

i. [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2
ii. K2[Ni(CN)4]

[CBSE (F) 2011]

Ans. (i). [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2: Pentaamminechloridocobalt(III) chloride

Co(III): [Ar] 3d 6 4s0—d 2sp3 hybridisation leads to octahedral shape.
Magnetic behaviour: Diamagnetic.

(ii). K2[Ni(CN)4]: Potassium tetracyanonickelate (II)

Ni(II): [Ar] 3d 8 4s0—dsp2 hybridisation leads to square planar shape.
Magnetic behaviour: Diamagnetic.

Q.9. Answer the following questions:

Q. Draw the geometrical isomers of complex [Pt(en)2Cl2]2+.

Ans.

Q. On the basis of crystal field theory, write the electronic configuration for d4 ion, if
Δ0 > P

Ans.

Q. Write the hybridization type and magnetic behaviour of the complex [Ni(CN) 4]2–.

(Atomic number of Ni = 28).

 [CBSE (AI) 2015]

Ans. Ni2+ : 3d 8 4s0

Hybridisation = dsp2

Magnetic behaviour = Diamagnetic

Q.10. Answer the following questions:

Q. What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Co(NH 3)6] [Cr(CN)6]?

Ans. Coordination isomerism.

Q. Why a solution of [Ni(H2O)6]2+ is green while a solution of [Ni(CN)4]2– is

colourless?

(At no. of Ni = 28)

Ans. In [Ni(H2O)6]2+, Ni is in + 2 oxidation state with the configuration 3d8 4s0, i.e., it has two
unpaired electrons which do not pair up in the presence of weak H2O ligand. The d–
d transition absorbs red light and the complementary green light is emitted.

On the other hand, in [Ni(CN)4]2–, Ni is again in +2 oxidation state with the electronic
configuration 3d 8. In the presence of strong CN– ligand the two unpaired electrons in the
3d orbitals pair up. As there is no unpaired electron in [Ni(CN) 4]2– therefore the complex is
colourless.

Q. Write the IUPAC name of the following complex: [Co(NH3)5 (CO3)]Cl.

[CBSE Delhi 2017]

Ans. Pentaamminecarbonatocobalt(III)chloride

Q.11. Answer the following questions:

Q. What type of isomerism is shown by [Co(NH3)5ONO]Cl2?

Ans. Linkage isomerism and the linkage isomer is [Co(NH3)5NO2]Cl2.

Q. On the basis of crystal field theory, write the electronic configuration for d 4 ion, if
Δ0 < P.

Ans.

Q. Write the hybridisation and shape of [Fe(CN)6]3–.

(Atomic number of Fe = 26)

[CBSE Ajmer 2015]

Ans. Fe3+ : 3d 5 4s0

Q.12. Answer the following questions:

Q. What type of isomerism is shown by the complex [Co(NH3)5(SCN)]2+?

Ans. Linkage isomerism.

Q. Why is [NiCl4]2– paramagnetic while [Ni(CN)4]2– is diamagnetic?

(Atomic number of Ni = 28)

Ans. In both [NiCl4]2– and [Ni(CN)4]2–, Ni is in +2 oxidation state with configuration 3d8 and
it contains two unpaired electrons. In [NiCl4]2– due to presence of weak ligand Cl– no
pairing takes place and hence paramagnetic whereas in [Ni(CN)4]2– , CN– is a strong field
ligand and pairing occurs and hence diamagnetic.

Q. Why are low spin tetrahedral complexes rarely observed?

[CBSE (AI) 2017]

Ans. This is due to very low CFSE which is not able to pair up the electrons.
Q.13. Answer the following questions:

Q. Define crystal field splitting energy. On the basis of crystal field theory, write the
electronic configuration for d4 ion if Δ0 < P.

Ans. When ligand approach a transition metal ion, the d-orbitals split into two sets, one with
lower energy and the other with higher energy. The difference of energy between the two
sets of orbitals is called crystal field splitting energy.

Q. [Ni(CN)4]2– is colourless whereas [Ni(H2O)6]2+ is green. Why?

(At. no. of Ni = 28)

[CBSE (F) 2017]

Ans. In [Ni(H2O)6]2+, Ni is in + 2 oxidation state with the configuration 3d8 4s0, i.e., it has two
unpaired electrons which do not pair up in the presence of weak H2O ligand. The d–
d transition absorbs red light and the complementary green light is emitted.

On the other hand, in [Ni(CN)4]2–, Ni is again in +2 oxidation state with the electronic
configuration 3d 8. In the presence of strong CN– ligand the two unpaired electrons in the
3d orbitals pair up. As there is no unpaired electron in [Ni(CN) 4]2– therefore the complex is
colourless.

Short Answer Questions-II (OIQ)

Q.1. Explain with two examples each of the following:

Q. Coordination entity

Ans. Coordination Entity: A coordination entity constitutes a central metal atom or ion
bonded to a fixed number of molecules or ions (ligands), e.g., [Co(NH3)3Cl3], [Fe(CN)6]4–,
[Cu(NH3)4]2+, etc.

Q. Ligand

Ans. Ligands: Ligands are the atoms, molecules or ions which donate a pair of electrons to
central metal atom or ion and form a coordinate bond with it. Depending upon the number
of donor atoms available for coordination, the ligands may be classified as:


  Bidentate ligands: Contain two donor atoms, e.g.,

 Polydentate ligands: Contain several donor atoms, e.g.,

Ethylenediaminetetraacetate ion (EDTA4–) (Hexadentate)

 Ambidentate ligand: A ligand which contains two donor atoms but only one of
them forms a coordinate bond at a time with central metal atom/ion is called an
ambidentate ligand. Some common examples are given below:

 Chelating ligand: When a bidentate or a polydentate ligand uses its two or more
donor atoms to bind a single metal ion, then a ring-like structure is obtained. It is
called chelate and the ligand is known as chelating ligand. The chelating ligands form
more stable complexes than the unidentate ligands. This is because when chelation
occurs entropy increases and the process becomes more favourable.

Q. Coordination number

Ans. Coordination Number (CN): The coordination number of a metal ion in a complex may
be defined as the total number of ligand donor atoms to which the metal ion is directly
bonded. For example, in the complex ions, [Co(NH3)6]3+ and [Fe(C2O4)3]3–, the coordination
numbers of both Co and Fe is 6.

Q.2. Explain with two examples each of the following:

Q. Coordination polyhedron
Ans. Coordination Polyhedron: The spatial arrangement of the ligand atoms which are
directly attached to the central atom/ion is known as the coordination polyhedron around
the central atom/ion. Tetrahedral, square planar, octahedral, square pyramidal and
trigonal bipyramidal are common shapes of coordination polyhedra.

Q. Homoleptic complex

Ans. Homoleptic Complex: The complex in which metal atom is bound to only one kind of
donor groups, e.g., [Cu(CN)4]3–.

Q. Heteroleptic complex

Ans. Heteroleptic Complex: The complex in which metal atom is bound to more than one
kind of donor groups, e.g., [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+.

Q.3. Differentiate between weak field and strong field coordination entity.

Ans.

S.No. Weak field coordination entity Strong field coordination entity

They are formed when the crystal field
stabilisation energy (Δo) in octahedral They are formed when the crystal field
(i) complexes is less than the energy stabilisation energy (Δo) is greater than the
required for an electron pairing in a P.
single orbital (P).
They are also called high spin
(ii) They are called low spin complexes.
complexes.
They are mostly paramagnetic in They are mostly diamagnetic or less
(iii)
nature. paramagnetic than weak field.

(iv) Never formed by CN – ligands. Formed by CN – like ligands.

Q.4. How would you account for the following?

Q. [Ti(H2O)6]3+ is coloured while [Sc(H2O)6]3+ is colourless.

Ans. The outer electronic structure of [Ti(H2O)6]3+ and [Sc(H2O)6]3+ are given below:

Due to the presence of one electron in 3d-subshell in [Ti(H2O)6]3+ complex d-d transition
takes place by the absorption of visible light. Hence, the complex appears coloured.

On the other hand, [Sc(H2O)6]3+ does not possess any unpaired electron. Hence, d-d transition
(which is responsible for colour) in this complex is not possible. Therefore, it is colourless.

Q. [Fe(CN)6]3– is weakly paramagnetic while [Fe(CN)6]4– is diamagnetic.

Ans. Paramagnetism is attributed to the presence of unpaired electrons. Greater the number
of unpaired electrons, greater is the paramagnetism.

Due to the presence of one unpaired electron in the 3d subshell in [Fe(CN)6]3–, it is weakly
paramagnetic. On the other hand, [Fe(CN)6]4– is diamagnetic because all the electrons are
paired.

Q. [Ni(CO)4] possesses tetrahedral geometry while [Ni(CN4)]2– is square planar.

Ans. Ni in [Ni(CO)4] is sp3 hybridised. Hence, it is tetrahedral.

In [Ni(CN)4]2–, the Ni2+ is dsp2 hybridised. Hence, it has square planar geometry.
Q.5. Describe for any two of the following complex ions, the type of hybridisation,
shape and magnetic property:

i. [Fe(H2O)6]2+
ii. [Co (NH3)6]3+
iii. [NiCl4]2–

(At. Nos. Fe = 26, Co = 27, Ni = 28)

Ans.

Octahedral because of sp3d2 hybridisation. Paramagnetic, as there are four unpaired

electrons present in the complex ion.
d2sp3 hybridisation leads to octahedral geometry. Diamagnetic, as there is no unpaired
electron present in the complex.

sp3 hybridisation leads to tetrahedral geometry. Paramagnetic, as there are two unpaired
electrons.

(any two)

Q.6. Write IUPAC names of the following coordination compounds:

i. [Co(NH3)6]Cl3
ii. [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2
iii. K3[Fe(CN)6]

Ans.

i. Hexaamminecobalt(III) chloride
ii. Pentaamminechloridocobalt(III) chloride
iii. Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)

Q.7. Answer the following questions:

Q. Write the formulae for the following coordination compounds:

a. Tetraammineaquachloridocobalt (III) chloride

b. Potassiumtetracyanonickelate (II)

Ans.

a. [Co(NH3)4(H2O)Cl]Cl2
b. K2[Ni(CN)4]

Q. Write the hybridisation of the complex [NiCl4]2–.

(Atomic number of Ni = 28)

Ans. sp3 hybridisation.

Q.8. Write the formulae of the following coordination compounds:

i. Amminebromidochloridonitrito-N-platinate(II)
ii. Dichloridobis(ethane-1, 2-diamine)platinum(IV) nitrate
iii. Iron(III)hexacyanoferrate(II)

Ans.

i. [Pt(NH3)BrCl(NO2)]–
ii. [PtCl2(en)2](NO3)2
iii. Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3

Q.9. Using crystal field theory, draw energy level diagram, write electronic
configuration of the central metal atom/ion and determine the magnetic moment
value in the following;

[Fe(H2O)6]2+,

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans.

Q.10. Answer the following questions:

Q. What is the coordination number of central metal ion in [Fe(C 2O4)3]3–?

Ans. Six

Q. Write the formula of Pentamminechloridoplatinum (IV).

Ans. [Pt(NH3)5Cl]Cl3
Q.10. Arrange following complex ions in increasing order of crystal field splitting
energy (Δ0):

[Cr(Cl)6]3–, [Cr(CN)6]3–, [Cr(NH3)6]3+

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans. Crystal field splitting energy increases in the order [Cr(Cl)6]3– < [Cr(NH3)6]3+ <
[Cr(CN)6]3–.

Q.11. Give the electronic configuration of the following complexes on the basis of
crystal field splitting theory.

[CoF6]3–, [Fe(CN)6]4– and [Cu(NH3)6]2+.

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans.

Q.12. Using crystal field theory, draw energy level diagram, write electronic
configuration of the central metal atom/ion and determine the magnetic moment
value in the following:

[CoF6]3–, [Co(H2O)6]2+, [Co(CN)6]3–

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans.
No unpaired electrons, so it is diamagnetic.

Q.13. Give the number of unpaired electrons in the following complex ions:

FeF6]4– and [Fe(CN)6]4–

Ans. [FeF6]4– has 4 unpaired electrons as F– is a weak field ligand.

[Fe(CN)6]4– has no unpaired electrons as CN– is a strong field ligand.

Q.14. Answer the following questions:

Q. Draw the geometrical isomers of complex [Pt(NH3)2Cl2].

Ans.
Geometrical isomers of [Pt(NH3)2Cl2]

Q. On the basis of crystal field theory, write the electronic configuration for d 4 ion if
Δ0 < P.

Ans.

Q. Write the hybridisation and magnetic behaviour of the complex [Ni(CO) 4].

(At. no. of Ni = 28)

Ans. The complex [Ni(CO)4] involves sp3 hybridisation.

The complex is diamagnetic as evident from the absence of unpaired electrons.

Q.15.

What are A and B? Give IUPAC names of A and B. Find spin only magnetic moment of
B.

[HOTS]
Ans.

Q.16. Explain the following:

[HOTS]

Q. Low spin octahedral complexes of nickel are not known.

Ans.

For the formation of low spin complex, electrons present in 3d electrons of Ni2+ should pair
up. This will produce only one empty d orbit. Hence, d 2sp3 hybridisation in nickel is not
possible to form low spin octahedral complex.

Q. Co2+ is easily oxidised to Co3+ in the presence of a strong ligand.

Ans. With the electronic configuration 3d 7 4s0, Co2+ has three unpaired electrons. H2O being
a weak ligand, the unpaired electrons present in 3d orbitals of Co (II) do not pair up. In the
presence of strong ligands, two unpaired electrons in 3d orbitals pair up and the third
unpaired electron shifts to higher energy orbital from where it can be easily lost and hence
shows an oxidation state of III.

Q. CO is a stronger complexing reagent than NH3.

Ans. CO has empty π-orbitals which overlap with filled d-orbitals (t 2g orbitals) of transition
metals and form π-bonds by back bonding. These π-interactions increase the value of crystal
field stabilisation energy (Δ0).
As NH3 cannot form π bonds by back bonding, therefore, CO is stronger ligand than NH 3.

Q.17. Answer the following questions:

[HOTS]

Q. Give the electronic configuration of the d-orbitals of Ti in [Ti(H2O)6]3+ ion in an

octahedral crystal field.

Ans.

Q. Why is this complex coloured? Explain on the basis of distribution of electrons in

the d-orbitals.

Ans. Due to d-d transition, the electron present in t2g absorbs green and yellow radiation of
white light for excitation to eg and the configuration becomes . The complementary colour
is purple.

Q. How does the colour change on heating [Ti(H2O)6]3+ ion?

Ans. On heating, H2O is lost. In the absence of ligand, crystal field splitting does not occur
hence the substance becomes colourless.

Q.18. A metal ion Mn+ having d 4 valence electronic configuration combines with three
bidentate ligands to form a complex compound. Assuming Δ0 > P:

[HOTS]

Q. Explain orbital splitting during this complex formation.

Ans. As Δ0 > P pairing will occur in the t2g orbitals and eg orbitals will remain vacant.

Q. Write the electronic configuration of the valence electrons of the metal M n+ ion in
terms of t2g and eg.

Ans.

Q. What type of hybridisation will Mn+ ion have?

Ans. As there are three bidentate ligands to combine therefore hybridisation will be d2sp3.

Q. Name the type of isomerism exhibited by this complex.

Ans. Optical isomerism.

Q.19. Write the correct formulae for the following coordination compounds:

i. CrCl3.6H2O (violet with 3 chloride ions precipitated as AgCl)

ii. CrCl3.6H2O (light green colour, with 2 chloride ions precipitated as AgCl )
iii. CrCl3.6H2O (dark green colour, with 1 chloride ion precipitated as AgCl )

[CBSE Sample Paper 2017]

Ans.

i. [Cr(H2O)6]Cl3
ii. [Cr(H2O)5Cl]Cl2.H2O
iii. [Cr(H2O)4Cl2]Cl.2H2O

Q.20. CoSO4Cl.5NH3 exists in two isomeric forms ‘A’ and ‘B’. Isomer ‘A’ reacts with
AgNO3 to give white precipitate, but does not react with BaCl2. Isomer ‘B’ gives white
precipitate with BaCl2 but does not react with AgNO3. Answer the following questions:

Q. Identify ‘A’ and ‘B’ and write their structural formulae.

Ans. A = [Co(NH3)5SO4]Cl

B = [Co(NH3)5Cl]SO4

Q. Name the type of isomerism involved.

Ans. Ionisation isomerism

Q. Give the IUPAC name of ‘A’ and ‘B’.

[NCERT Exemplar]

Ans.

A. – Pentaamminesulphatocobalt(III) chloride
B. – Pentaamminechloridocobalt(III) sulphate