Chapter 24, Problem 14E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The formulae and names of three coordination isomers of $[Co{(en)}_3][Cr{(ox)}_3]$ should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Isomers two or more chemical compounds or species whose chemical formula is the same, but they vary in one different property.

Coordination isomers are those coordination compounds with the same overall formula, but their not the same exact composition. It implies that there is a distinctive “coordination sphere” around the cation. These isomers crop up when an anion acting asa ligand in one compound functions as a counter anion in the other and vice versa.

An example of a pair of coordination isomers would be $[Ru(N{H}_3)5Cl]Br$ and $[Ru(N{H}_3)5Br]Cl$ .The complexion in the first compound is $Ru\left(N{H}_3\right)5C{l}^{+}$ and that in the second one is $Ru\left(N{H}_3\right)5B{r}^{+}$.

When any complex is named, the ligands are named foremost, in the alphabetical order, and the metal atom or ion is named afterward. Conversely, in the chemical formula, the metal atom or ion is marked before the ligands.