Transition Metals: Shapes of Complex Ions

Question 1

What shapes can transition metal complexes be?

Answer 1

• Octahedral
• Tetrahedral
• Square planar
• Linear

Question 2

What type of isomerism can transition metal complexes display?

Answer 2

• Cis-trans isomerism
- In octahedral/square planar complexes with different types of unidentate ligands

• Optical isomerism
- In octahedral complexes with bidentate ligands

Question 3

What is the difference between cis and trans isomers?

Answer 3

• Cis
- Two of the same ligands next to each other

• Trans
- Two of the same ligands opposite each other

Question 4

Give an example of a square planar transition metal complex that displays cis-trans isomerism

Answer 4

• 90°

Question 5

Give an example of an octahedral transition metal complex that displays cis-trans isomerism

Answer 5

• 90°

Question 6

Give an example of a tetrahedral transition metal complex

Answer 6

• 109.5°

Question 7

Give an example of a linear transition metal complex

Answer 7

• Tollen’s reagent, [Ag(NH3)2]+

- 180°

Question 8

What bond angles do octahedral complexes have?

Answer 8

• 90°

Question 9

What bond angles do square planar complexes have?

Answer 9

• 90°

Question 10

What bond angles do tetrahedral complexes have?

Answer 10

• 109.5°

Question 11

What bond angles do linear complexes have?

Answer 11

• 180°