In: Chemistry
In co-ordination complexes, two types of isomerism is possible: structural and stereoisomers.
Structural isomerism is not possible in the given type of complex and we consider only stereoisomers.
Stereoisomers can be further divided into two categories: geometrical and optical.
Geometrical isomers:
Two types of geometrical isomers are possible for this complex : cis and trans isomers. They are drawn in the image.
Optical isomerism : To show optical isomerism, the complex must form a non-superimposable mirror image, that is, it must be completely devoid of any plane of symmetry. However, both the cis and trans isomers show a plane of symmetry as illustrated in the following image. So, this complex will have no optical isomers.