Question:

In which one of the following metal carbonyls, CO forms a bridge between metal atoms?

Updated On: Nov 3, 2025
  • \(\text{[Co}_2(\text{CO})_8]\)
  • \(\text{[Mn}_2(\text{CO})_{10}]\)
  • \(\text{[Os}_3(\text{CO})_{12}]\)
  • \(\text{[Ru}_3(\text{CO})_{12}]\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine in which of the given metal carbonyls the carbon monoxide (CO) forms a bridge between metal atoms, we need to examine the structures of these complex metal carbonyls. 

  1. \(\text{[Co}_2(\text{CO})_8]\): This metal carbonyl contains cobalt atoms bridged by CO ligands. In its structure, some of the CO molecules act as bridging ligands, forming a bond between two cobalt atoms.
  2. \(\text{[Mn}_2(\text{CO})_{10}]\): This complex consists of two manganese atoms but does not exhibit CO as bridging ligands. All COs are terminal.
  3. \(\text{[Os}_3(\text{CO})_{12}]\): In this complex, osmium atoms are involved, but the CO ligands are typically terminal, not forming bridges.
  4. \(\text{[Ru}_3(\text{CO})_{12}]\): Similarly, in this ruthenium complex, the CO ligands serve as terminal ligands, not bridging the metal atoms.

Explanation: In \(\text{[Co}_2(\text{CO})_8]\), the presence of bridging CO ligands is a unique feature that distinguishes it from the other metal carbonyls listed. The complex forms a tetrahedral structure where CO can serve as bridging ligands between the two metal centers.

Therefore, the correct answer is \(\text{[Co}_2(\text{CO})_8]\), where CO forms a bridge between metal atoms.

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