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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 · 2024 · Paper I

Q5(d). Zeise's salt: synthesis and structure

Question

What is Zeise's salt? Outline its synthesis method. Describe its structure.

Answer in brief

Zeise's salt is K[PtCl₃(η²-C₂H₄)]·H₂O, potassium trichlorido(ethene)platinate(II) monohydrate, the first organometallic compound; it is made from K₂[PtCl₄] and ethene, and the anion is square planar with ethene at right angles to the PtCl₃ plane.

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CoversZeise's saltDewar–Chatt–Duncanson modelorganometallic compoundsπ back-donationtrans effect

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