Question

The complex [Zn(NH3)2Cl2]2+ does not exhibit cis-trans isomerism. The geometry of this complex must be ________.
a. tetrahedral
b. trigonal bipyramidal
c. square planar
d. octahedral
e. either tetrahedral or square planar

Answer 1

Answer:

A. tetrahedral

Explanation:

• The only complex ion geometries that can exhibit cis-trans isomerim are the octahedral and square planar.

With the above information in mind, the correct answer would then have to be either a) or b), however the complex  [Zn(NH₃)₂Cl₂]²⁺ has 4 ligands. This means that the correct answer is a), because the trigonal bipyramidal geometry has 5 ligands.