Q.Identify the optically active compounds from the following:
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Coordination Compound Nomenclature
Coordination Compound Nomenclature: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you're naming a person. You'd say "Ravi Sharma" — family name first, then given name. Coordination compounds have a similar logic, but the "family name" is the metal, and the "given names" are the groups attached to it. The rules are just a systematic way of writing that name so any chemist anywhere can draw the exact structure from it.
The Core Idea
A coordination compound has a central metal ion surrounded by molecules or ions called ligands. Think of the metal as the nucleus and ligands as planets orbiting it. The entire assembly (metal + ligands) is called the coordination sphere, and it's written inside square brackets: [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃.
The nomenclature rules tell you:
- What order to list things
- How to name each ligand
- How to indicate the metal's oxidation state
- How to handle the counter-ions outside the brackets
The Rules, Step by Step
1. Cation before anion (just like NaCl is sodium chloride)
If the complex ion is positive, it's named first. If it's negative, it's named last. Simple.
2. Within the coordination sphere: ligands first, then metal
This is the big rule. Ligands are named before the metal, in alphabetical order (ignoring prefixes like di-, tri-).
Alphabetical order is based on the ligand's name, not its formula. So NH₃ (ammine) comes before H₂O (aqua), even though N comes after H in the alphabet.
3. Naming ligands
| Ligand type | Name | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral molecule (NH₃) | ammine | [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ → hexaamminecobalt(III) |
| Neutral molecule (H₂O) | aqua | [Cu(H₂O)₄]²⁺ → tetraaquacopper(II) |
| Neutral molecule (CO) | carbonyl | [Ni(CO)₄] → tetracarbonylnickel(0) |
| Negative ion (Cl⁻) | chloro | [PtCl₆]²⁻ → hexachloroplatinate(IV) |
| Negative ion (CN⁻) | cyano | [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ → hexacyanoferrate(II) |
| Negative ion (OH⁻) | hydroxo | [Al(OH)₄]⁻ → tetrahydroxoaluminate(III) |
ammine (with two m's) is for NH₃ as a ligand. amine (one m) is for organic compounds like ethylamine. Don't mix them up — exam setters love this trap.
4. Prefixes for multiple ligands
Use Greek prefixes: di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-.
If the ligand name already contains a number (like ethylenediamine), use bis-, tris-, tetrakis- instead.
[Co(en)₃]³⁺ is tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III), not triethylenediaminecobalt(III). The parentheses around the ligand name are mandatory when using bis/tris/tetrakis.
5. Oxidation state of the metal
Write it in Roman numerals in parentheses right after the metal name. No space.
[Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ → hexacyanoferrate(III) (iron is in +3 state)
6. If the complex is an anion, change the metal's ending
| Metal | Anionic form |
|---|---|
| Cobalt | cobaltate |
| Copper | cuprate |
| Iron | ferrate |
| Nickel | nickelate |
| Platinum | platinate |
| Zinc | zincate |
General pattern:
[M(L)ₙ]Xₘ → cation name = [prefix-ligands]metal(oxidation state)
anion name = [prefix-ligands]metalate(oxidation state)
Worked Examples
Example 1: K₃[Fe(CN)₆]
- Cation: potassium (K⁺)
- Complex anion:
[Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ - Ligands: 6 cyano → hexacyano
- Metal: iron → ferrate (because it's an anion)
- Oxidation state: Fe is +3 (since 6 CN⁻ = -6, total charge -3, so Fe must be +3)
- Answer: Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)
Example 2: [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]Cl₂
- Cation:
[Co(NH₃)₅Cl]²⁺ - Ligands: 5 ammine + 1 chloro → alphabetical: ammine before chloro → pentaamminechloro
- Metal: cobalt
- Oxidation state: Co is +3 (5 NH₃ neutral, 1 Cl⁻ = -1, total +2, so Co = +3) …
Why this formula?
Coordination Compound Nomenclature: Why the Rules Work
Coordination compound nomenclature isn't about a single formula — it's a system of rules built on a few core principles. Let's understand the why behind each major rule, so you never have to memorise blindly.
1. The Central Idea: Ligands as "Guests" Around a Metal "Host"
A coordination compound has a central metal atom/ion surrounded by ligands (molecules or ions that donate electron pairs). The naming reflects this relationship:
- Cation first, then anion (like normal ionic compounds)
- Ligands named before the metal (because they modify the metal's identity)
Why?
In chemistry, we name the more electropositive part first (cation). The metal-ligand complex is treated as a single unit — the ligands are "attached" to the metal, so they come first in the complex name.
2. Key Rule: Ligand Order — Alphabetical, Not by Charge
Rule: Ligands are named in alphabetical order (ignoring prefixes like di-, tri-).
Why?
- If we ordered by charge or size, the name would change every time a ligand is replaced.
- Alphabetical order is universal and unambiguous — it doesn't depend on the metal or oxidation state.
- Example:
[Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺is tetraamminedichlorocobalt(III) — "ammine" (a) before "chloro" (c).
3. Oxidation State: Why Roman Numerals?
Rule: The metal's oxidation state is written in Roman numerals in parentheses after the metal name.
Why?
- The oxidation state tells you the charge on the metal after accounting for ligand charges.
- Roman numerals avoid confusion with Arabic numbers (which are used for ligand counts).
- Example:
[Fe(CN)₆]³⁻→ hexacyanoferrate(III) — the iron is Fe³⁺, not Fe²⁺.
Derivation of oxidation state:
Let the complex charge = Q, ligand charges = sum of ligand charges L, number of ligands = n.
Then:
Metal oxidation state=Q−L
For [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻: CN⁻ has charge -1, so L=6×(−1)=−6, Q=−3.
Fe oxidation state=−3−(−6)=+3
4. Anionic Ligands: The "-o" Ending
Rule: Anionic ligands (negative ions) end in -o (e.g., Cl⁻ → chloro, CN⁻ → cyano, OH⁻ → hydroxo).
Why?
- This distinguishes them from neutral ligands (e.g., NH₃ → ammine, H₂O → aqua).
- The suffix -o signals "this ligand came from an anion" — crucial for charge balance.
Common examples:
| Anion | Ligand name |
|---|---|
| Cl⁻ | chloro |
| CN⁻ | cyano |
| OH⁻ | hydroxo |
| SO₄²⁻ | sulfato |
5. Neutral Ligands: Special Names
Rule: Neutral ligands keep their molecular name, except for a few with special names:
- NH₃ → ammine (not "ammonia")
- H₂O → aqua
- CO → carbonyl
- NO → nitrosyl
Why?
- "Ammine" avoids confusion with ammonia (NH₃) as a free molecule.
- These special names are historical but standardised — you must memorise them for exams.
6. Prefixes: di-, tri-, tetra-, etc.
Rule: Use Greek prefixes to indicate the number of each ligand:
- 2 → di, 3 → tri, 4 → tetra, 5 → penta, 6 → hexa
Why?
- Without prefixes,
[Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺would be "hexaamminecobalt(III)" — the "hexa" tells you there are six ammines. - For ligands with complex names (e.g., ethylenediamine), use bis-, tris-, tetrakis- to avoid confusion.
Example:
[Co(en)₃]³⁺ → tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) — "tris" because "triethylenediamine" would sound like three ethylenediamine molecules (which is correct, but "tris" is clearer).
7. Anionic Complexes: The "-ate" Suffix …
Concept: Coordination Compound Nomenclature & Optical Activity
Optical activity requires the complex to lack a plane of symmetry (i.e., be chiral).
Reasoning:
- (i) [Co(en)3]3+ — The three bidentate en ligands form a propeller-like geometry; the complex is chiral and exists as non-superimposable mirror images (Δ and Λ isomers).
- (ii) trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ — The two Cl ligands are opposite each other; the complex has a plane of symmetry through the metal and the two en rings — achiral. …
Optical activity in coordination compounds arises from the absence of a plane of symmetry. Among the given complexes, only cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ and [Co(en)3]3+ are optically active. The correct options are (i) and (iii).
Why optical activity matters here
Optical activity is a property of chiral molecules — those that are non-superimposable on their mirror image. In coordination chemistry, chirality usually appears when the complex lacks any plane of symmetry. The classic test: if you can draw a plane that cuts the complex into two mirror-image halves, the complex is achiral and optically inactive. If no such plane exists, the complex is chiral and can exist as a pair of enantiomers.
The ligands here are important:
- en (ethylenediamine) is a bidentate chelating ligand — it forms a ring with the metal.
- Cl and NH3 are monodentate.
Let’s examine each complex one by one.
1. [Co(en)3]3+
This is an octahedral complex with three bidentate en ligands. Each en ligand forms a five-membered chelate ring. The three rings are arranged around the cobalt ion.
Think of the geometry: the three en ligands wrap around the metal like a three-bladed propeller. This arrangement has no plane of symmetry — the complex is chiral. It exists as a pair of enantiomers (often called Δ and Λ forms).
Any octahedral complex with three identical bidentate ligands (like [M(en)3]n+) is always chiral — the propeller shape guarantees it.
So (i) is optically active.
2. trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+
Here, two en ligands occupy four positions in the octahedron, and the two Cl ligands are opposite each other (trans).
Draw the structure: the two en ligands lie in a plane, and the two Cl atoms are on opposite sides. This complex has several planes of symmetry — for instance, the plane that contains the metal and both Cl atoms, cutting through the middle of both en rings.
Because a plane of symmetry exists, the molecule is superimposable on its mirror image.
A common mistake is to think that chelate rings automatically create chirality. In the trans isomer, the symmetry of the Cl positions kills any chirality.
So (ii) is optically inactive.
3. cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ …
Method: Optical Activity via Symmetry & Chirality Check
Optical activity arises when a compound is non-superimposable on its mirror image (i.e., it is chiral). For coordination compounds, the key is to check for the presence of a plane of symmetry or a centre of symmetry — if either exists, the compound is optically inactive.
Steps
- Draw or visualise the geometry of the complex (octahedral for all given).
- Identify the ligand arrangement — especially for chelating ligands like en (ethylenediamine).
- Check for symmetry elements:
- A plane of symmetry → optically inactive.
- A centre of symmetry → optically inactive.
- No symmetry plane or centre → optically active (chiral).
- Classify each option.
Applying the steps
(i) [Co(en)3]3+
- Three bidentate en ligands form a propeller-like structure.
- The complex has no plane of symmetry — it exists as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images (Δ and Λ isomers).
- ✓ Optically active
(ii) trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+
- Two en ligands are in the same plane; the two Cl ligands are opposite (trans). …
🧠 Core Concept Recap
Optical activity in coordination compounds arises when the complex is non-superimposable on its mirror image — i.e., it lacks a plane of symmetry. This is most common in octahedral complexes with chelating ligands like ethylenediamine (en).
✗ Mistake 1: Thinking all chelate complexes are optically active
Why it happens:
Students see en (a bidentate ligand) and assume the complex must be chiral.
Example from the list:
- (i) [Co(en)3]3+ — is optically active (no plane of symmetry).
- (ii) trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ — is not optically active (has a plane of symmetry).
How to avoid:
Always check for symmetry — draw the structure mentally or on paper. A complex with chelating ligands can still be achiral if it has a plane of symmetry.
✓ Rule: Chelating ligands can create chirality, but not always. Symmetry is the final judge.
✗ Mistake 2: Confusing cis/trans with optical activity
Why it happens:
Students think cis always means chiral and trans always means achiral.
Example from the list:
- (iii) cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ — is optically active (no plane of symmetry).
- (ii) trans-[Co(en)2Cl2]+ — is not optically active.
How to avoid:
Memorise the pattern for [M(AA)2X2] type complexes:
- cis → optically active (two enantiomers exist)
- trans → optically inactive (has a plane of symmetry)
✓ Rule: For [M(AA)2X2], only the cis isomer can be optically active.
✗ Mistake 3: Forgetting that monodentate ligands rarely give optical activity
Why it happens:
Students see [Cr(NH3)5Cl] and think it might be chiral because it’s asymmetric.
Example from the list:
- (iv) [Cr(NH3)5Cl] — not optically active (has a plane of symmetry through Cr, Cl, and the opposite NH₃).
How to avoid:
For octahedral complexes with only monodentate ligands, optical activity is extremely rare. You need at least three different bidentate ligands or a very specific arrangement.
✓ Rule: Monodentate ligands in an octahedral complex almost never give optical activity — check for symmetry first.
✗ Mistake 4: Not drawing the structure before deciding
Why it happens:
Students try to reason purely from the formula without visualising.
How to avoid: …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.Which one of the following structures in Column I does not have the correct IUPAC name as given in Column II. .tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;} .tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;} .tg .tg-c3ow{border-color:inherit;text-align:center;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-7btt{border-color:inherit;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:top} .tg .tg-0pky{border-color:inherit;text-align:left;vertical-align:top} S.No. Structure IUPAC name A. [CoBr2(en)2]Cl P. Dibromidodi-( ethan-1, 2 - diamine)cobalt (III) chloride B. Na[PtBrCl(NO2)(NH3)] Q. Sodium amminebromidochloridonitrito- N - palatinate(II) C. [Cr(H2O)2(NH3)4Cl]SO4 R. Tetraamminediaquachloridochromium (III) sulphate. D. [Pt(NH3)4][PtCl4] S. Tetraammineplatinum (II) tetrachloridoplatinate (II) (A) B (B) A (C) D (D) C
›Reveal solutionSolution
Check each IUPAC name against the rules — ligands in alphabetical order, correct oxidation state and the right multiplying prefix. Structure A is named incorrectly: because the ligand "ethane-1,2-diamine" already contains a multiplying word, its two units must be written with bis, not di. The wrongly named structure is A, so the correct option is (B).
We need the structure whose Column II name is wrong. The method is to name each complex ourselves: name the cation before the anion, list ligands alphabetically (ignoring multiplying prefixes), use the correct oxidation state in Roman numerals, and use bis/tris/tetrakis when a ligand name itself contains di/tri or is complex.
1. Structure A: [CoBr2(en)2]Cl, name P
- Complex ion [CoBr2(en)2]+ with Cl− as counter-ion.
- Oxidation state: Co +2(−1)+2(0)=+1 overall, so Co is +3.
- Ligands alphabetically: bromido before ethane-1,2-diamine.
- Because "ethane-1,2-diamine" already contains the prefix "di", two of them must be written as bis(ethane-1,2-diamine). The correct name is Dibromidobis(ethane-1,2-diamine)cobalt(III) chloride.
- The given name P uses di-(ethane-1,2-diamine) instead of bis(...) — this is the error. Structure A is named incorrectly.
2. Structure B: Na[PtBrCl(NO2)(NH3)], name Q
- Anionic complex [PtBrCl(NO2)(NH3)]− with Na+.
- Oxidation state: Pt +(−1)+(−1)+(−1)+0=−1, so Pt is +2.
- Ligands alphabetically: ammine, bromido, chlorido, nitrito-N. The N-bonded NO2− is correctly written as nitrito-N.
- Name Q lists the ligands in the right order with the correct oxidation state, so it is acceptable.
3. Structure C: [Cr(H2O)2(NH3)4Cl]SO4, name R
- Complex ion [Cr(H2O)2(NH3)4Cl]2+ with SO42−.
- Oxidation state: Cr +4(0)+2(0)+(−1)=+2 overall, so Cr is +3. …
- KCET 2023Set D-21 markMCQQ.Which formula and name combination is INCORRECT? (A) K3[Al(C2O4)3] – Potassium trioxalatoaluminate (III) (B) [Pt(NH3)2Cl(NO2)] – Diamminnechloridonitrito – N – platinum (II) (C) [CoCl2(en)2]Cl – Dichloridodiethylenediamine cobalt (II) chloride (D) [Co(NH3)4(H2O)Cl]Cl2 – Tetraammineaquachloridocobalt (III) chloride
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to check the oxidation state, ligand naming order, and ligand abbreviations in each coordination compound. The incorrect combination is option (C) because "ethylenediamine" is abbreviated as "en", not "diethylenediamine", and the oxidation state of cobalt is misrepresented.
The question tests your ability to match a coordination compound's formula with its correct IUPAC name. Four areas commonly trip students up: the oxidation state of the central metal, the alphabetical order of ligand names, the correct use of ligand abbreviations (like "en" for ethylenediamine), and the proper placement of anionic ligands in the name. Let's examine each option carefully.
-
Option (A): K3[Al(C2O4)3] – Potassium trioxalatoaluminate (III)
- The complex ion is [Al(C2O4)3]3−. Oxalate (C2O42−) is a bidentate ligand, so three of them give a coordination number of 6. Aluminium here is in the +3 oxidation state (since each oxalate is -2, total ligand charge = -6, and the complex ion charge is -3, so Al must be +3). The name "trioxalatoaluminate (III)" is correct, and the counterion is potassium. This combination is correct.
-
Option (B): [Pt(NH3)2Cl(NO2)] – Diamminnechloridonitrito – N – platinum (II)
- The ligands are: two ammines (NH3), one chloride (Cl−), and one nitrito (NO2−). The name lists them alphabetically: "ammine" before "chlorido" before "nitrito". The "–N" indicates that the nitrito ligand is bonded through nitrogen (nitrito-N), which is correct. The oxidation state: NH3 is neutral, Cl− is -1, NO2− is -1, so total ligand charge = -2. The complex is neutral, so Pt must be +2. The name "diamminnechloridonitrito-N-platinum(II)" is correct. (Note: "diamminne" is a minor spelling variant; the standard is "diammine", but this is not the error here.) This combination is correct.
-
Option (C): [CoCl2(en)2]Cl – Dichloridodiethylenediamine cobalt (II) chloride …
-
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-E1 markMCQQ.Identify the correct IUPAC name of [CoCl2(NO2)(NH3)3] (A) Triamminedichloridonitrito- N−cobalt(III) (B) Dichloridotriamminenitrito-O-cobaltate(II) (C) Dichlorotriamminenitrito- N−cobalt(II) (D) Triamminedichloronitrito-O-cobaltate(III)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Option (B) and (D) wrongly use 'cobaltate' (that suffix is only for anionic complexes); (C) has the wrong oxidation state (II) and non-alphabetical order.
Concept: IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds.
[CoCl2(NO2)(NH3)3] - no counter-ion, so the complex is NEUTRAL.
Oxidation state of Co: x + 2(-1) + (-1) + 3(0) = 0 -> x = +3, i.e. cobalt(III).
Because the complex is neutral (not anionic), the metal keeps its ordinary name 'cobalt', NOT 'cobaltate'.
Ligands, named alphabetically (ammine before chlorido before nitrito):
3 NH3 = triammine
2 Cl- = dichlorido (modern IUPAC uses 'chlorido', not 'chloro')
NO2- bound through N = nitrito-N (nitro) …
- KCET 2022Set B-31 markMCQQ.The correct IUPAC name of cis-platin is (A) Diamine dichloride platinum (O) (B) Dichlorido diamine platinum (IV) (C) Diamine dichloride platinum (II) (D) Diamine dichloride platinum (IV)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to identify the oxidation state of platinum in the neutral complex [Pt(NH3)2Cl2], then apply IUPAC rules for naming coordination compounds. The correct name is diamminedichloridoplatinum(II).
The question asks for the IUPAC name of cis-platin, a well-known anticancer drug. Its formula is [Pt(NH3)2Cl2]. The name must reflect the ligands, their order, the metal, and its oxidation state.
Concept first: In coordination chemistry, the IUPAC name is built systematically. For a neutral complex, the ligands are named alphabetically (ignoring prefixes like di-, tri-), followed by the metal name with its oxidation state in Roman numerals in parentheses. The oxidation state is crucial — it determines the metal's charge and often the compound's properties.
Let's work through it step by step.
-
Identify the complex and its charge.
cis-Platin is a neutral molecule: [Pt(NH3)2Cl2]. The square brackets indicate the coordination sphere. Since it's neutral, the sum of the charges on the metal and ligands must be zero.
-
Determine the oxidation state of platinum.
- Ammonia (NH3) is a neutral ligand — charge 0.
- Chloride (Cl−) is an anionic ligand — each has charge −1. Let the oxidation state of Pt be x. Then:
x+2(0)+2(−1)=0⇒x−2=0⇒x=+2.
So platinum is in the +2 oxidation state.
-
Name the ligands in alphabetical order.
- The ligands are: ammine (NH3) and chloride (Cl−).
- Alphabetically, "ammine" comes before "chlorido" (IUPAC uses "ammine" for NH3 and "chlorido" for Cl− as a ligand).
- The prefixes "di-" indicate two of each: diammine and dichlorido.
- So the ligand part is: diamminedichlorido.
-
Name the metal with its oxidation state.
- Since the complex is neutral, the metal is named as the element itself: platinum.
- Add the oxidation state in Roman numerals: (II).
-
Assemble the full name.
Combine: diamminedichloridoplatinum(II).
Note: IUPAC rules place the metal name immediately after the ligands, without spaces or hyphens (except the oxidation state in parentheses). …
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- KCET 2021Set B-21 markMCQQ.The IUPAC name of [Co(NH3)5(CO3)]Cl is (A) Pentaamminecarbonatocobalt (III) Chloride (B) Carbonatopentamminecobalt (III) Chloride (C) Pentaamminecarbonatocobaltate (III) Chloride (D) Pentaammine cobalt (III) Carbonate Chloride
›Reveal solutionSolution
Name the ligands alphabetically (ammine before carbonato), use cobalt (not cobaltate) because the complex ion is a cation, and assign Co the oxidation state +3.
1. Work out the oxidation state of cobalt
The compound is [Co(NH3)5(CO3)]Cl. The chloride is outside the coordination sphere, so the complex ion carries +1.
Let the oxidation number of Co be x. Ammonia is neutral; carbonate is CO32−:
x+5(0)+(−2)=+1⟹x=+3
So cobalt is Co(III) — written as a Roman numeral in parentheses.
2. Apply the IUPAC naming rules in order
- Cation first, anion second — the complex here is the cation, so it is named first and "chloride" comes last.
- Ligands are named before the metal, in alphabetical order (the multiplying prefix penta- is ignored when alphabetising). Compare the ligand names: ammine vs carbonato ⇒ ammine comes first.
- NH3 as a ligand = ammine (two m's — amine with one m is an organic −NH2 compound).
- CO32− as a ligand = carbonato (anionic ligands end in -o).
- Prefix for number: five ammines ⇒ pentaammine (both a's are kept: pentaammine).
- Metal name: the complex ion is a cation, so the metal keeps its normal English name, cobalt. The suffix -ate (cobaltate) is used only when the complex ion is an anion.
- Oxidation state of the metal in Roman numerals: (III).
Assembling: penta + ammine + carbonato + cobalt(III) + chloride …
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.The correct IUPAC name of the coordination compound K3[Fe(CN)5NO] is (A) potassium pentacyanonitrosylferrate (II) (B) potassium pentacyanonitro-N-ferrate (III) (C) potassium nitritopentacyanoferrate (IV) (D) potassium nitritopentacyanoiron (II)
›Reveal solutionSolution
[!TLDR]
The anion [Fe(CN)5NO]3− has five cyanido ligands and one nitrosyl (NO) ligand, so the compound is potassium pentacyanonitrosylferrate, matching option (A).
Concept
When naming coordination compounds (CBSE/NCERT Class 12 Coordination Compounds), ligands are named alphabetically with their standard names: CN− = cyanido (cyano), and the NO group bound through nitrogen is nitrosyl. For an anionic complex the metal takes its Latin root plus -ate (iron → ferrate).
Solution
The complex ion is [Fe(CN)5NO]3− with three K+ counter-ions.
- Five CN− ligands → "pentacyano(nitrosyl)".
- The nitrogen-bonded NO group → nitrosyl (not "nitro" = NO2, and not "nitrito" = ONO).
- The complex carries a −3 charge, so the metal centre is named as the anion ferrate. …
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.Which of the following coordination compound is named INCORRECTLY based on IUPAC system of nomenclature? (A) Na3[Co(ONO)6] sodium hexanitritocobaltate (III) (B) K4[Mn(CN)6] potassium hexacyanomanganate (II) (C) Cs[FeCl4] caesium tetrachloroferrate (III) (D) [Fe(CN)6]^3- hexacyanitroferrate (III) ion
›Reveal solutionSolution
Options A, B and C give the correct ligand names and oxidation states; option D's "hexacyanitro" is a wrong name for the cyanido ligand CN−.
- (A) Na3[Co(ONO)6]: ONO bonded through O is the nitrito ligand; Co is +3 → sodium hexanitritocobaltate(III). Correct.
- (B) K4[Mn(CN)6]: Mn +2, cyanido ligands → potassium hexacyanomanganate(II). Correct.
- (C) Cs[FeCl4]: Fe +3, chlorido ligands → caesium tetrachloroferrate(III). Correct. …
- KCET 2020Set A-11 markMCQQ.Give the IUPAC name of [Pt(NH3)4][PtCl4] is (A) tetra ammine platinum (II) tetra chlorido platinate (II) (B) tetra ammine platinum (o) tetra chlorido platinum (IV) (C) tetra ammine platinate (II) tetra chlorido platinum (II) (D) tetra ammine platinate (o) tetra chlorido platinum (IV)
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a coordination compound with both a cationic and an anionic complex. The cation is named first (tetraammineplatinum(II)), then the anion (tetrachloridoplatinate(II)), giving the IUPAC name tetraammineplatinum(II) tetrachloridoplatinate(II) — which matches option (A).
The key to naming this compound lies in recognising that it contains two separate coordination spheres — one positively charged and one negatively charged. The formula [Pt(NH3)4][PtCl4] tells you there is a cationic complex [Pt(NH3)4]2+ and an anionic complex [PtCl4]2−.
Why are both charges 2+ and 2−? Because the overall compound must be neutral. Ammonia (NH3) is a neutral ligand, so the charge on the cation comes entirely from the metal. For the anion, each chloride ligand carries a −1 charge, so four chlorides give −4; to get a net −2, the platinum must be in the +2 oxidation state. So both platinum centres are in the +2 oxidation state.
Now, the IUPAC rules for naming such a salt are straightforward:
- Name the cation first (as a separate coordination entity), then the anion.
- For the cation: ligands are named in alphabetical order (ignoring prefixes like tetra-), then the metal name is used as is (with its oxidation state in Roman numerals in parentheses).
- For the anion: the same ligand order, but the metal name ends in -ate (platinum → platinate), followed by the oxidation state.
Let’s apply this step by step.
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Identify the cation: [Pt(NH3)4]2+.
Ligand: tetraammine (four NH3 groups). Metal: platinum. Oxidation state: +2.
So the cation is tetraammineplatinum(II).
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Identify the anion: [PtCl4]2−.
Ligand: tetrachlorido (four Cl− ligands). Metal: platinum → platinate. Oxidation state: +2.
So the anion is tetrachloridoplatinate(II).
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Combine them: cation first, then anion.
The full name is tetraammineplatinum(II) tetrachloridoplatinate(II). …
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.Which among the following is the strongest ligand? (A) CN− (B) CO (C) NH3 (D) en
›Reveal solutionSolution
The strength of a ligand depends on its ability to donate electron density and accept back-donation from the metal. Among the given options, CO is the strongest ligand because it combines strong σ-donation with excellent π-acceptor ability, placing it at the top of the spectrochemical series.
The concept here is the spectrochemical series — an experimentally determined ordering of ligands by their ability to split the d-orbital energies of a transition metal ion (the crystal field splitting parameter Δ). A "strong" ligand produces a large Δ, while a "weak" ligand produces a small Δ.
But why do some ligands cause a larger splitting? Two factors matter:
- σ-donation: The ligand donates a lone pair to the metal. Better σ-donors raise the energy of the d-orbitals more, increasing Δ.
- π-interactions: If the ligand has empty π* orbitals (like CO, CN⁻), it can accept electron density from the metal via back-donation. This stabilises the metal's t₂g orbitals, further increasing Δ. If the ligand has filled π orbitals (like halides), it donates into the t₂g, reducing Δ.
The strongest ligands are those that are good σ-donors and strong π-acceptors. Let's evaluate each option.
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CN⁻ (cyanide) — A strong σ-donor and a good π-acceptor (via its empty π* orbitals). It sits very high in the spectrochemical series, but not at the absolute top.
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CO (carbon monoxide) — A moderate σ-donor (the lone pair on carbon is not as basic as that on nitrogen in NH₃), but an excellent π-acceptor. The empty π* orbitals on CO are low-lying and overlap very effectively with filled metal d-orbitals. This strong back-donation dramatically increases Δ, placing CO at the very top of the spectrochemical series.
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NH₃ (ammonia) — A good σ-donor but not a π-acceptor (it has no empty low-energy orbitals). It is a moderate-field ligand, well below CO and CN⁻. …
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.The formula of penta aquanitrato chromium (III) nitrate is, (A) [Cr(H2O)6](NO3)3 (B) [Cr(H2O)5NO3](NO3)2 (C) [Cr(H2O)6](NO2)2 (D) [Cr(H2O)5NO2]NO3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The name "penta aquanitrato chromium (III) nitrate" tells us there are five water ligands and one nitrate ligand inside the coordination sphere, with the chromium in +3 oxidation state, and the remaining nitrate ions outside as counterions. The correct formula is [Cr(H2O)5NO3](NO3)2, which is option (B).
The key to solving this is understanding how coordination compounds are named. The name gives you a precise recipe: first, the ligands inside the coordination sphere (the complex ion) are listed, then the central metal with its oxidation state, and finally the counterions outside the sphere.
"Penta aqua" means five water (H2O) molecules as ligands. "Nitrato" means one nitrate (NO3−) ion acting as a ligand. So inside the square brackets, we have Cr with five H2O and one NO3−. The oxidation state of chromium is given as (III), so Cr3+.
Now, the charge of the complex ion inside the brackets must balance. The five water ligands are neutral. The one nitrate ligand carries a −1 charge. So the total charge from ligands is −1. To get a Cr3+ ion, the complex ion's net charge must be +2 (because +3−1=+2). That means the complex ion is [Cr(H2O)5NO3]2+.
The name ends with "nitrate" — this tells us the counterion outside the brackets is nitrate (NO3−). To balance the +2 charge of the complex ion, we need two nitrate ions. So the full formula is [Cr(H2O)5NO3](NO3)2.
Let's check each option:
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Option (A): [Cr(H2O)6](NO3)3 — This has six water ligands, not five, and no nitrate ligand inside. This would be called "hexaaquachromium(III) nitrate," not penta aquanitrato.
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Option (B): [Cr(H2O)5NO3](NO3)2 — Exactly matches our reasoning: five waters, one nitrate inside, two nitrates outside. This is correct.
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Option (C): [Cr(H2O)6](NO2)2 — This has nitrite (NO2−) as counterion, not nitrate. Also has six waters and no nitrate ligand. Completely wrong. …
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- KCET 2018Set A-11 markMCQQ.The IUPAC name of [Co(NH3)4Cl(NO2)]Cl is (A) tetraamminechloridonitrito-N-cobalt(III) chloride (B) tetraamminechloridonitrocobalt(II) chloride (C) tetraamminechloridonitrocobalt(I) chloride (D) tetraamminechloridodinitrocobalt(III) chloride
›Reveal solutionSolution
Find cobalt's oxidation state from the charge balance, then name the ligands alphabetically with the modern IUPAC ligand names (chlorido, nitrito-N).
Step 1 — Split the compound into ions.
The square brackets enclose the coordination sphere: [Co(NH3)4Cl(NO2)]n+. The chloride written outside the brackets is an ionisable counter ion, Cl−.
Step 2 — Oxidation state of cobalt.
The overall compound is neutral, so the complex ion must be +1. Inside the sphere: NH3 is neutral, Cl− is −1, NO2− is −1.
x+4(0)+(−1)+(−1)=+1⇒x=+3
So it is cobalt(III) — which already eliminates (B) cobalt(II) and (C) cobalt(I).
Step 3 — Name the ligands. …
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