Question

The total number of all possible isomers of \( [\text{Co}( \text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2)_2 ]^{2+} \) and \( [\text{Co}( \text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2)_3 ]^{3+} \) together is ............
 

Hint:

For coordination complexes with ligands having multiple donor atoms, count the possible ways the ligands can be arranged around the central metal to determine the total number of isomers.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 5

Step 1: Identifying the coordination geometry.
For both complexes, the coordination number of the central cobalt ion is 6. The ligands are ethylenediamine derivatives, each having two nitrogen donor atoms. The number of possible isomers depends on the different ways the ethylenediamine ligands can bind to the central metal.

Step 2: Analyzing the isomers.
- The \( [\text{Co}( \text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2)_2 ]^{2+} \) complex can have isomers due to different possible arrangements of the ethylenediamine ligands. - The \( [\text{Co}( \text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2)_3 ]^{3+} \) complex can also have isomers due to ligand exchange and arrangement.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The total number of isomers is \( \boxed{6} \).