Here’s a explanation of cis-trans isomerism in octahedral and square planar complexes without using any equations:
1. Cis-Trans Isomerism
- This type of isomerism happens when the same ligands can be arranged differently around the central metal.
- Cis means the similar ligands are next to each other.
- Trans means the similar ligands are opposite each other.
2. In Square Planar Complexes
- Common for metals with coordination number 4 (like platinum, palladium).
- Imagine a flat square: four ligand positions at the corners.
- If two identical ligands are adjacent, it’s cis.
- If they are across from each other, it’s trans.
- Example: Two chlorine atoms in a platinum complex can be cis or trans.
3. In Octahedral Complexes
- Common for metals with coordination number 6.
- Imagine an octahedron: six positions around the metal.
- If two identical ligands are next to each other, it’s cis.
- If they are opposite each other, it’s trans.
- More than one pair of ligands can give different cis/trans arrangements, so octahedral complexes often have more possible isomers than square planar complexes.
Key Point:
Cis-trans isomerism depends on the relative positions of identical ligands.
- Cis = next to each other
- Trans = opposite each other