Multiple choice

Which of the following complexes are examples of linkage isomerism?

  1. [Co(NH3)5ONO]2+ and [Co(NH3)5NO2]2+

  2. [Co(NH3)4Cl2] NO2 and [Co(NH3)4 (Cl) NO2] Cl

  3. [Co(py)2 (H2O)2Cl2]Cl and [Co(py)2 (H2O)Cl3] H2O

  4. [Co(NH3)4 Cl2]NO2 and [Co(NH3)4(Cl)NO2]Cl
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Linkage isomerism occurs when ambidentate ligands can bind through different donor atoms. The nitrite ion (NO2-) is a classic ambidentate ligand that can bind through nitrogen (nitro: -NO2) or through oxygen (nitrito: -ONO). The two complexes [Co(NH3)5ONO]2+ and [Co(NH3)5NO2]2+ differ only in which atom binds to cobalt, making them linkage isomers.

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