Q11 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (02 April Shift 2) · Chemistry

Which of the following complexes will show coordination isomerism?
A. $[Ag(NH_3)_2][Ag(CN)_2]$
B. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Cr(CN)_6]$
C. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$
D. $[Fe(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$
E. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Fe(CN)_6]$
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • A
    B, C and D Only
  • Correct answer
    B
    B, D and E Only
  • C
    A, C and D Only
  • D
    C, D and E Only

Solution

Coordination isomerism arises from the interchange of ligands between cationic and anionic entities of different metal ions present in a complex.

A. $[Ag(NH_3)_2][Ag(CN)_2]$: Both the complex cation and anion contain the same metal ion ($Ag^+$). Interchanging one ligand produces a neutral molecule $[Ag(NH_3)(CN)]$, and interchanging both ligands yields the identical compound. Thus, it does not show coordination isomerism.

B. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Cr(CN)_6]$: The complex contains different metal ions ($Co^{3+}$ and $Cr^{3+}$). Interchange of ligands gives the coordination isomer $[Cr(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$. Thus, it shows coordination isomerism.

C. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$: Both the complex cation and anion contain the same metal ion ($Co^{3+}$). According to the strict definition requiring different metal ions, this is generally excluded from being a primary example of coordination isomerism in standard contexts.

D. $[Fe(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$: The complex contains different metal ions ($Fe^{3+}$ and $Co^{3+}$). Interchange of ligands gives the coordination isomer $[Co(NH_3)_6][Fe(CN)_6]$. Thus, it shows coordination isomerism.

E. $[Co(NH_3)_6][Fe(CN)_6]$: This is the coordination isomer of complex D. Since it contains different metal ions, it also shows coordination isomerism by interchanging ligands to form $[Fe(NH_3)_6][Co(CN)_6]$.

Since complexes D and E are coordination isomers of each other, they must both be included together. Therefore, the complexes that show coordination isomerism are B, D, and E.

Answer: B, D and E Only

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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