Question

Write the IUPAC name of the linkage isomer of the complex \([ \text{Co(NH}_3\text{)}_5 \text{(NO}_2\text{)} ]\text{Cl}_2\).

Hint:

Linkage isomerism occurs when a bidentate or ambidentate ligand can coordinate to the metal center through more than one atom.

Answer 1

The IUPAC name of the linkage isomer of the complex \([ \text{Co(NH}_3\text{)}_5 \text{(NO}_2\text{)} ]\text{Cl}_2\) is "pentaammine nitrito-N-cobalt(III) chloride." In this complex, the nitrite ligand (\(\text{NO}_2\)) can coordinate to the metal either through the nitrogen atom (nitrito-N) or the oxygen atom (nitrito-O), resulting in linkage isomerism.