Which of the following complex is homoleptic?
Solution
<p>A homoleptic complex is one in which a central metal atom or ion is surrounded by only one kind of donor groups, ligands or ions. On the other hand, a heteroleptic complex contains a central metal surrounded by more than one kind of donor groups, ligands or ions.</p>
<p>Let's examine the given options :</p>
<p>Option A: $\left[\mathrm{Ni}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_2 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]$<br>
<br/>This complex contains two different ligands, ammonia ($\mathrm{NH}_3$) and chloride (Cl). Therefore, it is a heteroleptic complex.</p>
<p>Option B: $\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_4 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$<br>
<br/>Just like Option A, this complex has two types of ligands, ammonia ($\mathrm{NH}_3$) and chloride (Cl), making it a heteroleptic complex.</p>
<p>Option C: $\left[\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{NH}_3\right)_4 \mathrm{Cl}_2\right]^{+}$<br>
<br/>Again, this complex has ammonia ($\mathrm{NH}_3$) and chloride (Cl) ligands, so it is a heteroleptic complex.</p>
<p>Option D: $\left[\mathrm{Ni}(\mathrm{CN})_4\right]^{2-}$<br>
<br/>This complex has only cyanide (CN) ligands surrounding the nickel ion, with no other types of ligands present. Thus, this is a homoleptic complex because it is coordinated by a single type of ligand.</p>
<p>Therefore, Option D is the correct answer as it represents a homoleptic complex.</p>
About this question
Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Coordination Compounds · Topic: Ligands and Coordination Number
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