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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)?

Correct answer: A. The trans form is achiral and optically inactive while the cis form is chiral and exists in two enantiomeric forms.

  • 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.

Explanation

Cis is optically active and trans is optically inactive. For this question, you have to understand the fact that in the trans condition, the molecule has complete symmetry. The right and left halves are identical, alongside the top and bottom halves. This isn't the case for the cis molecule. The cis molecule only has the top and bottom halves bearing a resemblance; the left and right halves are different thus leading to the possibility of multiple enant.iomers.

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About Transition Elements

Transition elements are identified by their partially filled d subshells in atoms or common ions. The topic covers the electronic structure of d-block elements, including the filling order of 4s and 3d orbitals, variable oxidation states and the distinction between transition elements and elements with completely filled d subshells.

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