Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the chirality (optical isomerism) of the cis and trans isomers of the type M(aa)₂b₂ (M stands for a metal, a and b are achiral ligands and aa is a bidentate ligand) ?

• A. The trans form is achiral and optically inactive while the cis form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms
• B. Both the cis and trans forms are achiral and optically inactive
• C. The trans form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms while the cis form is achiral and optically inactive.
• D. Both the cis and trans forms are chiral, and each exists in two enantiomeric forms.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The trans form is achiral and optically inactive while the cis form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms

Answer 2

Cis is optically active and trans is optically inactive.