CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Chemistry of transition elements
An octahedral cobalt(III) complex has the formula . The two chloride ligands can be arranged either on adjacent positions or on opposite positions. (a) Name the type of stereoisomerism shown by this complex. (b) State whether this complex is polar or non-polar in each of the two arrangements, and explain your reasoning. (c) State, with a reason, whether the complex shows optical isomerism.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
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