Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry

Problem 34a

Chapter 21, Problem 34a

Consider the following ethylenediamine complexes.
(a) Which complexes are chiral, and which are achiral?
(b) Draw the enantiomer of each chiral complex.
(c) Which, if any, of the chiral complexes are enantiomers of one another?

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Identify the structure of each ethylenediamine complex. Ethylenediamine is a bidentate ligand, meaning it can form two bonds with a metal center. Consider the coordination number and geometry of the metal center in each complex.

Determine the symmetry of each complex. A complex is chiral if it lacks an internal plane of symmetry and cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Look for symmetry elements such as planes of symmetry or centers of inversion.

For each chiral complex, draw its mirror image. This involves reflecting the structure across an imaginary plane to create the enantiomer. Ensure that the connectivity and spatial arrangement of the ligands are accurately represented.

Compare the chiral complexes to determine if any are enantiomers of one another. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, so check if any pairs of complexes meet this criterion.

Summarize your findings by listing which complexes are chiral, which are achiral, and identifying any pairs of enantiomers among the chiral complexes.>

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chirality

Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands. A chiral molecule typically has at least one carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, leading to two distinct forms known as enantiomers. Understanding chirality is essential for identifying which complexes are chiral or achiral.

Enantiomers

Enantiomers are a pair of chiral molecules that are mirror images of each other. They possess identical physical properties in an achiral environment but can exhibit different behaviors in chiral environments, such as biological systems. Recognizing enantiomers is crucial for determining which chiral complexes are enantiomers of one another.

Coordination Chemistry

Coordination chemistry involves the study of coordination compounds, which consist of a central metal atom bonded to surrounding ligands. The arrangement of these ligands around the metal can influence the chirality of the complex. Understanding the geometry and bonding in coordination complexes is vital for analyzing the chirality and enantiomeric relationships of the given ethylenediamine complexes.

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Coordination Numbers

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Look at the location in the periodic table of elements A, B, C, and D. What is the electron configuration of the transition metal in each of the following ions?

(d) DO42-

Textbook Question

What is the systematic name for each of the following molecules or ions? Include cis or trans prefixes for diastereoisomers. Platinum is Pt(II) in square planar complexes and Pt(IV) in octahedral complexes.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Textbook Question

Consider the following isomers [Cr(NH3)2Cl4]-.

(a) Label the isomers as cis or trans.

(b) Which isomers are identical, and which are different?

Textbook Question

Consider the following ethylenediamine complexes.

(a) Which complexes are chiral, and which are achiral?

(b) Draw the enantiomer of each chiral complex.

Textbook Question

Consider the following ethylenediamine complexes.

(a) Which complexes are chiral, and which are achiral?

(b) Draw the enantiomer of each chiral complex.

Consider the following ethylenediamine complexes. (a) Which complexes are chiral, and which are achiral?(b) Draw the enantiomer of each chiral complex.(c) Which, if any, of the chiral complexes are enantiomers of one another?

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Chirality

Enantiomers

Coordination Chemistry

Consider the following ethylenediamine complexes.
(a) Which complexes are chiral, and which are achiral?
(b) Draw the enantiomer of each chiral complex.
(c) Which, if any, of the chiral complexes are enantiomers of one another?