Question

A student prepares a coordination compound [CoBr(NH3)5]SO4 by reacting cobalt(II) sulfate with ammonium bromide and ammonia. However, the student finds that there are two possible products formed in the reaction. Explain the type of isomerism present in the coordination compound and identify the two isomers formed by the student.

Answer 1

The type of isomerism present in the coordination compound [CoBr NH3 5]SO4 is called linkage isomerism. Linkage isomerism occurs when the ligand can bind to the central metal atom through different donor atoms, resulting in different isomers.In this case, the two isomers formed by the student are:1. [CoBr NH3 5]SO4: In this isomer, the bromide ion  Br-  is directly bonded to the cobalt II  ion as a ligand, and the sulfate ion  SO4^2-  is present as a counterion outside the coordination sphere.2. [Co NH3 5SO4]Br: In this isomer, the sulfate ion  SO4^2-  is directly bonded to the cobalt II  ion as a ligand, and the bromide ion  Br-  is present as a counterion outside the coordination sphere.Both isomers have the same chemical formula but differ in the way the ligands are attached to the central metal ion, which results in different chemical and physical properties.