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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2022 · Paper I

Q7(a). An optically active square-planar complex

Question

Cite one example of an optically active tetracoordinated complex compound where the metal ion and donor atoms lie on a plane. Justify your answer.

Answer in brief

The (meso-stilbenediamine)(isobutylenediamine)platinum(II) cation, [Pt{H₂NCH(Ph)CH(Ph)NH₂}{H₂NCH₂C(CH₃)₂NH₂}]²⁺: it is square planar with no plane or centre of symmetry, so it exists in two optically active forms.

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Topic notes: Werner theory, isomerism, IUPAC names and valence bond theory of complexes, with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coversoptical isomerismsquare planar complexMills and Quibellchiralitystilbenediamine platinumplatinum(II) complexes

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