Learning objectives

This  module is concerned with configurational stereoisomerism in coordination complexes. 
Configurational stereoisomers are compounds that have the same formula and the same atom-to-atom bonding sequence but different in the arrangement of the atoms in space.

On completion of the module you should be able to
 
  • describe the differences in the orientation of ligands for cis and trans isomers of square-planar complexes of the formula MA2B2 and octahedral complexes of the type MA4B2 where A and B are monodentate ligands.
     
  • draw structures of cis and trans stereoisomers of square-planar and octahedral complexes having the general formulae given above.
     
  • describe the different arrangement of ligands for cis and trans isomers of octahedral complexes of the general formula MA2B2 where B is a bidentate ligand.
     
  • draw structures of cis and trans isomers of octahedral complexes having the general formula  MA2B2 where B is a bidentate ligand.
     
  • identify whether a complex can have enantiomeric forms for octahedral complexes having the general formula  MA2B2 where B is a bidentate ligand and for octahedral comples of the type MB3 where B is a bidentate ligand.
     
  • identify the type of configurational stereoisomerism possible for a given complex from its formula (MAxBy)
Dr Sheila Woodgate
© The University of Auckland 2002