IIT-JAM / M.Sc.

Entrance

EXERCISE - I
Single Correct Type
Nomenclature & Ligands
1. The common features among species CN–, CO and NO+ are
(a) Bond order three (b) Isoelectronic
(c) All are  donor and  acceptor (d) All of these
2. Which of the following orbitals of ligand can participate in bonding in non-classical compound
(a)  (b)  (c) d orbital (d) All
3. –
As a ligand CH3 is
(a)  donor (b)  donor and  donor
(c)  donor (d)  donor and  acceptor
4. Which of following can act as chelating ligand
(a) NH2CH2CH2NHCH2CH2NH2 (b) NH2CH2CH3
(c) NH2NH2 (d) NH2CH2CH2NH2
5. Which of following can act as bidentate ligand

CHEM ACADEMY
(a) P(OPh)3 (b) NH2NH2 (c)
O
N (d) None of these

6. Which ligand form O–M–N chelation

(a) Glycinato (b) 8-hydroxy quinoline
(c) acac (d) en
7. Which one of the following is a correct representation of tetraammine nickel (II) hexacyano
ferrate (III) ?
(a) [Ni(NH3)4][Fe(CN)6] (b) [Ni(NH3)4][Fe(CN)6]4
(c) [Ni(NH3)4][Fe(CN)6]2 (d) [Ni(NH3)4]3[Fe(CN)6]2
8. Which of the following cannot act as a chelating agent ?
(a) HC(CH2CH2NH2)3 (b) CH3NHCH2CH2CH3
(c) N(CH2CH2NH2)3 (d) H2NCH2CH2CH2NH2
9. Give the IUPAC name of the complex compound [Co(NH3)4(H2O)Br](NO3)2 :–
(a) Bromoaquotetraaminecobalt(III) nitrate
(b) Bromoaquotetraaminocobalt(III) nitrate
(c) Bromoaquatetraamminecobalt(III) nitrate
(d) Tetraammineaquabromocobalt(III) nitrate
10. NH3 as a ligand in neutral, acidic and basic medium respectively act as
(a) Monodentate, monodentate, monodentate
(b) Monodentate in neutral and acidic medium and bidentate in basic medium

88 Coordination Complexes
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(c) Monodentate in neutral medium and no denticity in acidic and basic medium
(d) Monodentate in neutral and basic medium and no denticity in acidic medium
11. Which of the following ligands does not behave as ambidentate ligand?
(a) NO2– (b) –SCN– (c) S2O32– (d) NO3–
Isomerism
12. Which of following isomers will show fac and mer isomerism
(a) [Co(NH3)3Cl3] (b) [Co(dien) (NO2)3]
(c) [Co(dien)2] 3+ (d) [Co(acac)3]
13. Which kind of isomerism is exhibited by octahedral Co(NH3)4Br2Cl ?
(a) Only geometrical (b) Ionisation
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
14. Among the following complexes the ones that show (optical) chirality are
(i) [Ru(bipyridyl)3]+ (ii) [Cr(EDTA)]–
(iii) trans-[CrCl2(oxalate)2]3– (iv) cis-[CrCl2(oxalate)2]3–
(a) (i), (ii) and (iv) (b) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) (i), (iii) and (iv)
15. Both geometrical and otpial isomerism are shown by

CHEM ACADEMY
(a) [Co(en)2Cl2]+
(c) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+
(b) [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+
(d) [Cr(ox)3]3–
16. Which of the following wil give maximum number of isomers
(a) [Co(NH3)4Cl2] (b) [Ni(en)(NH3)4]2+
(c) [Ni(C2O4)(en)2] (d) [Cr(SCN)2(NH3)4]+
17. The complexes [Co(1, 2-diaminopropane)2Cl2]+ and [Co(1, 3-diaminopropane)2Cl2]+ represent
an example of
(a) ligand isomerism (b) linkage isomerism
(c) ionization isomerism (d) coordination isomerism
18. The octahedral complex/complex ion which shows both facial and meridional isomers is
(a) triglycinatocobalt (III) (b) tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)
(c) dichlorodiglycinatocobalt (III) (d) trioxalatecobaltate (III)
19. The existence of two different coloured complexes of [Co(NH3)4Cl2] is due to
(a) optical isomerism (b) linkage isomerism
(c) geometrical isomerism (d) coordination isomerism
20. Which of the following complex can not exhibit geometrical isomerism –
(a) [Pt(NH3)2Cl NO2] (b) [Pt(gly)2]
+
(c) [Cu(en)2] (d) [Pt(H2O)(NH3)BrCl]

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IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
21. Which one of the following compounds will exhibit linkage isomerism –
(a) [Pt (NH3)2 Cl2] (b) [Co (NH3)5 NO2]Cl2
(c) [Co (NH3)4 Cl2]Cl (d) [Co (en)2Cl2]Cl
22. One among the following complex ions will not show optical activity –
(a) [IrCl2(gly)(OCN)Py]– (b) Cis-[Co(en)2Cl2]+
(c) [Co(en)(NH3)2Cl2]+ (d) [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]
23. Which of the following statement is true
(a) [As(CH3)(C2H5)(C6H4COO)(S)]2– is optically active
(b) [ZnCl2(NH3)2] will exist in cis and trans form
(c) Square planar complexes never show optical isomerism
(d) All are true
24. Oxidation state of Ag in Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] is –
(a) + 2 (b) – 2 (c) 0 (d) +1
25. What is the relationship between the following two linear complex ions ?
[Cl – Ag – SCN]1– [SCN – Ag – Cl]1– The complex ions are –
(a) Linkage isomers (b) Coordination isomers
(c) Geometric isomers (d) Optical isomers
26.
(a) 4 CHEM ACADEMY
Total number of stereo isomers of [Co(acac)2BrCl]– are:
(b) 3 (c) 6 (d) 2
27. Which of the following complex species is not expected to exhibit optical isomerism?
(a) [Co(en)3]3+ (b) [Co(en)2 Cl2]+
(c) [Co(NH3)3 Cl3] (d) [Co(en) (NH3)2Cl2]+
28. Total number of pair of enantiomers in complex [Pt(Br)(Cl)(I)(NH3)(NO2)(Py)] is
(a) 15 (b) 20 (c) 10 (d) 30
Werner Theory
29. A compound has emperical formula CoCl3.5NH3. When an aqueous solution of this compound
is mixed with excess of silver nitrate, 2 mol of AgCl precipitate per mole of compound. On
reaction with excess of HCl, no NH4+ is detected. It is
(a) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 (b) [Co(NH3)3Cl3](NH3)2
(c) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Cl.NH3 (d) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl
30. Which of the following gives white precipitate with AgNO3
(a) K2[NiCl4] (b) K4[Fe(CN)6] (c) [CoCl2(H2O)4]Br (d) NaCl.K2SO4.6H2O
31. A solution containing 2.674 g of CoCl3.6NH3 was passed through a cation exchanger. The eluted
solution gave 4.305 gram precipitate of silver chloride with silver nitrate solution. Another complex
formed with AgCl is
(a) [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 (b) [Co(NH3)6](NO)3
(c) [Co(NO3)6]Cl3 (d) [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2

90 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
32. The primary valency of iron in K4[Fe(CN)6] is
(a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
33. Consider the following complex [Co(NH3)5CO3]ClO4 in which co-ordination number, Oxidation
number and numbers of d-electrons on the metal are respectively
(a) 6, 3, 6 (b) 7, 2, 7 (c) 7, 1, 6 (d) 6, 2, 7
–
34. In the complex ion [Fe(EDTA)] the coordination number and oxidation state of central metal ion
is
(a) C.N. = 6, O.N. = +3 (b) C.N. = 1, O.N. = –1
(c) C.N. = 4, O.N. = + 2 (d) C.N. = 3, O.N. = +3
35. An example of a double salt is
(a) Cuprammonium sulphate (b) Mohr's salt
(c) Potassium ferricyanide (d) Cobalthexammine chloride
36. The coordination number of a central metal atom in a complex is determined by :-
(a) The number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by sigma and pi-bonds both
(b) The number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by pi-bonds
(c) The number of ligands around a metal ion bonded by sigma bonds
(d) The number of only anionic ligands bonded to the metal ion
37.

(a) 6 and 2
CHEM ACADEMY
The coordination number and the oxidation state of the element ‘E’ in the complex
[E(en)2(C2O4)] NO2 (where (en) is ethylene diamine) are, respectively
(b) 4 and 2 (c) 4 and 3 (d) 6 and 3
Valence Bond Theory
38. Orbitals which participate in hybridisation in PtCl42– is
(a) 5d x2  y2 , 6s, 6p x , 6p y (b) 4d x2  y2 , 5s, 5p x , 5p y
(c) 6s, 6p x , 6p y , 6p z (d) 5s, 5p x , 5p y , 5p z
39. Which orbital do not participate in hybridization in [Cu(NH3)4]2+
(a) Px (b) Py (c) Pz (d) can’t be predicted
40. Which of the following is true for (A) [Ru(ox)3]3– and (B) [Fe(ox)3]3–
(a) A has low spin and B has high spin configuration
(b) A has high spin and B has low spin configuration
(c) Both A and B are high spin
(d) Both A and B are low spin
41. Which of following do not exist on basis of electroneutrality principle
(a) [NiCl6]2– (b) [NiF6]4– (c) [Ni(H2O)6]4– (d) [CoCl6]3–
42. The group of paramagnetic species among the following is

(a) Cr(C2O4 )33 , TiF62 and CoCl42– (b) TiF62 , Mn(H 2O)62 and Co(NH 3 )63
2 3
(c) CoCl2–
4 , Mn(H 2 O) 6 and Cr(C2 O 4 ) 3 (d) None of these

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IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
43. The shape of cuprammonium ion is
(a) Octahedral (b) Tetrahedral (c) Trigonal (d) Square planar
44. The zero magnetic moment of octahedral K2NiF6 is due to
(a) low spin d6Ni(IV) complex (b) low spin d8Ni(II) complex
(c) high spin d8Ni(II) complex (d) high spin d6Ni(IV) complex
45. A complex of Ni(II), [NiCl2(PPh3)2] is paramagnetic. The analogous Pd(II) complex is
diamagnetic. The number of isomers that will exist for the Nickel and the palladium complexes
are
(a) One, One (b) One, Two (c) Two, One (d) Two, Two
46. The structures of the complexes [Cu(NH3)4](ClO4)2 and [Cu(NH3)4](ClO4) in the solution
respectively are
(a) square planar and tetrahedral (b) octahedral and square pyramidal
(c) octahedral and trigonal bipyramidal (d) tetrahedral and square planar
47. The magnetic moment of [Ru(H2O)6]2+ corresponds to the presence of
(a) four unpaired electrons (b) three unpaired electrons
(c) two unpaired electrons (d) zero unpaired electrons
48. Hybridization of Ni(II) in K2[NiBr4] is:
(a) dsp2 (b) sp3 (c) sp2d (d) d3s
49. CHEM ACADEMY
Out of [Fe(CN)6]4–, [Ni(CN)4]–2 and [Ni(CO)4]
(a) All have identical geometry. (b) All are paramagnetic.
(c) All are dimagnetic.
(d) [Fe(CN)6]–4 is dimagnetic but [Ni(CN)4]–2 and [(Ni(CO)4] are paramagnetic
50. Which of the following pair of molecule have identical shape –
(a) [NiCl4]–2 and XeF4 (b) [Zn(H2O)4]+2 and SiCl4
(c) [Fe(CO)5] and XeOF4 (d) [Ag(NH3)2]+ and SF2
51. Correct order of stability of complex according to electroneutrality principle is
(a) [Be(OH2)6]2+ > [Be(OH2)4]2+ > [Be(NH3)4]2+
(b) [Be(NH3)4]2+ > [Be(OH2)4]2+ > [Be(OH2)6]2+
(c) [Be(OH2)4]2+ > [Be(OH2)6]2+ > [Be(NH3)4]2+
(d) [Be(OH2)4]2+ > [Be(NH3)4]2+ > [Be(OH2)6]2+
52. [Cr(H2O)6] Cl3 (atomic no. of Cr=24) has a magnetic moment of 3.83 B.M. The correct distribution
of 3d electrons in the Chromium of the complex is –
1
(a) 3d1xy , 3 d1yz , 3 d1z2 (b)  3 d x 2
 y2  , 3 d1z2 , 3 d1xz
1
(c) 3 d1xz ,  3 d x 2
 y2  , 3 d1yz (d) 3 d1xy , 3 d1yz , 3 d1xz

92 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
Crystal Field Theory
53. Which of the followig will be on straight line on lattice energy curve
(a) ScF3, MnF3, FeF3 (b) ScF3, FeF3, GaF3, ZnF3
(c) ScF3, FeF3, GaF3 (d) ScF3, MnF3, ZnF3
54. The experimental value of HE for Co2+ ion is –540 kJ mol–1. Theoretical value of HE is –435.4
kJ mol–1. What will be the CFSE ? (approximate value)
(a) 8738 cm–1 (b) –9600 cm–1 (c) –1200 cm–1 (d) –114.6 cm–1
55. Value of  for magnetite is
(a) 0 (b) 0.5 (c) 1 (d) > 1
56. The complex which exhibit lowest energy electronic absorption band is
(a) [NiCl4]2– (b) [Ni(H2O)6]2+ (c) [Ni(CN)4]2– (d) [Ni(CO)4]
57. Which of following complex has highest observed hydration energy
(a) Cr3+ (b) Fe2+ (c) Co3+ (d) V3+
58. For tetrahedral complexes which always exhibit high spin states, the maximum CFSE
(stabilisation = S) is :
(a) – 8 Dq (b) – 12 Dq (c) – 16 Dq (d) –20 Dq
59. The octahedral crystal field splitting (0) of d-orbital energies of following metal decreases in
order
CHEM ACADEMY
(a) Co2+ > Co3+ > Rh3+
(c) Rh3+ > Co2+ > Co3+
(b) Rh3+ > Co3+ > Co2+
(d) Co3+ > Co2+ > Rh3+
60. The optical absorption spectrum of [Ti(H2O)6]3+ has its absorption maximum at 20300 cm–1.
The magnitude of Crystal Field stabilisation energy (in cm–1) ?
(a) 8120 (b) 16240 (c) 24360 (d) 50750
61. The hydration enthalpies of divalent metal ions of ten elements from calcium to zinc are plotted
against their atomic numbers. Why hydration enthalpies of only three elements. Ca, Mn & Zn fall
on a straight line & other metal value deviate from this line ?

Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
(a) Due to different variation of only Zeffective
(b) Due to contribution of only size
(c) Due to contribution of CFSE (d) All of these

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IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
62. The crystal field stabilisation energy of high spin d7 octahedral complex is
4 4 9 9
(a)   0  2P (b)  0 (c)   0  2P (d)  0
5 5 5 5
63. The complex with inverse spinel structure is
(a) Co3O4 (b) Fe3O4 (c) MgAl2O4 (d) Mn3O4
64. CFSE of transition metal complexes can be determined by
(a) UV-visible spectroscopy (b) IR spectroscopy
(c) Microwave spectroscopy (d) NMR spectroscopy
65. The number of maganese ions in tetrahedral and octahedral sites, respectively in Mn3O4 are:
(a) one Mn2+ and two Mn3+ (b) one Mn3+ and two Mn2+
(c) two Mn3+ and one Mn2+ (d) two Mn2+ and one Mn3+
66. Arrange the following in increasing order of their lattice energy
(a) CaO > TiO > VO > MnO (b) TiO > MnO > CaO > VO
(c) VO > MnO > TiO > CaO (d) VO > TiO > MnO > CaO
Jahn-Teller Distortion
67. Which of following shows disproportionation reactions
(a) [Au(H2O)6]2+ (b) [Ni(H2O)6]2+ (c) [Cu(H2O)6]2+ (d) [Au(CN)4]3–
68.
CHEM ACADEMY
Which one of following configuration will show John-Teller distortion in an octahedral complex
?
(a) High spin d8 (b) High spin d4 (c) High spin d5 (d) Low spin d6
69. Which one of the following pairs of electronic configuration of low spin transition metal ions (3d)
in an octahedral field undergoes a strong John Teller distortion
(a) d1, d9 (b) d7, d9 (c) d6, d2 (d) d4, d3
70. The compound which exhibits Jahn-Teller distortion is :
(a) [Mn(H2O)6]2+ (b) [Mn(H2O)6]3+ (c) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (d) [Fe(CN)6]4–
71. The set of ions expected to show John-Teller distortion in their complexes is
(a) Ti(III), Cu(II), High-spin Fe(III) (b) Cu(I), Ni(II), High-spin Fe(III)
(c) Cu(II), Low-spin Fe(III), Ti(III) (d) Low-spin Fe(III), Mn(II), Cu(I)
72. Which of the following is incorrect about John-Teller distortion in octahedral complexes
(a) It remove electronic degeneracy
(b) It stabilises the complexes thermodynamically
(c) Extreme case of Z-out distortions results square planner geometry
(d) Z-out prefers always over Z-in distortions.
73. The compounds having square planar geometry is/are
(a) [Ni(CN)4]2– (b) [Cu(NH3)4]2+ (c) [Cu(CO)4]2+ (d) NiCl42–
74. The correct statement about the Cu–O bond distances in [Cu(H2O)6]2+ at 100ºC is
(a) All the bond distance are equal

94 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
(b) The axial bonds are longer than the equitorial ones.
(c) The Equitorial bonds are longer than the axial ones.
(d) All the bond distance are unequal
75. The observation of equal Cu-O distances in the hexa-coordinated Cu(II) complex, K2Pb[Cu(NO2)6]
is best understood in terms of:
(a) Failure of the Jahn-Teller theorem to predict the structure of this complex
(b) Error in the crystallographic estimate of Cu-O distances
(c) Dynamic Jahn-Teller distortion of the Cu-O bonds.
(d) Symmetrical distribution of the nine valence electrons of Cu(II)
Molecular Orbital Theory
76. Electronic configeration of [Mo(CO)6] is
2 6
(a) a1g t1u e4g t 62g 2 6
(b) a1g t1u e 4g t 42g e*2
g

6 2 4 6 6 2 4
(c) t1u a1g eg t 2g (d) t1u a1g t 2g eg4 e*2
g

77. d orbital used in back donation of electron from M  L in [Fe(CN)6]3– is

(a) d xy , d yz , d zx (b) d x 2  y2 (c) d z2 (d) cant be predicted

78.
bonding is
(a) A1g
CHEM ACADEMY
On molecular orbital treatment of [Mn(CO)6]+, the symmetry of the LGO that is NOT sigma-

(b) T2g (c) T1u (d) Eg

79. The symmetry required for the ligand group orbitals (LGO) for the -base ligands to have -
interactions with the metal d-orbitals in an octahedral geometry is
(a) a1g (b) b2g (c) eg (d) t2g
80. In the crystal field of the complex [Fe(Cl)(CN)4(O2)]4–, the electronic configuration of metal is
found to be t2g6, eg0 then which of the following is/are true about this complex ion –
(a) It is a paramagnetic complex
(b) O – O bond length will be more than found in O2 molecule
(c) Its IUPAC name will be chlorotetracyanosuperoxidoferrate(II) ion.
(d) It will show geometrical as well as optical isomerism
81. In MO diagram for  system of an octahedral complex with acceptor ligand, 0 is given as

(a) energy difference between t2g and eg (b) energy difference between t*2g and eg

(c) energy difference between t2g and e*g (d) Energy difference between t*2g and e*g
82. The order of magnitude of 0 values for octahedral complex of Cr(III) in case of  donor, 
donor and  acceptor ligand is
(a)  acceptor >  donor >  donor (b)  acceptor >  donor >  donor
(c)  donor >  donor >  acceptor (d)  donor >  donor >  acceptor

Coordination Complexes 95
IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
Stability
83. The stepwise stability constant in aqueous solution for formation of ion [M(en)(H2O)4]2+,
[M(en)2(H2O)2]2+ and [M(en)3]2+ for Cu and Ni is given
[M(en)(H2O)4]2+ [M(en)2(H2O)2]2+ [M(en)3]2+
Cu x y z
Ni p q r
(i) x > p (ii) y > q (iii) z > r
(a) Only (i) is true (b) (i) and (ii) true (c) All true (d) None of these
84. The substitutional inert complex ion amongst the following is
(a) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (b) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ (c) [Cr(H2O)6]2+ (d) [Ni(H2O)6]2+
85. Which of the following is the correct Irving-Williams series based on their formation constant
values in M2+ oxidation state ?
(a) Fe2+ < Co2+ < Ni2+ < Cu2+ < Zn2+
(b) Fe2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+
(c) Fe2+ > Ni2+ > Co2+ < Zn2+ < Cu2+
(d) Fe2+ < Co2+ < Ni2+ < Zn2+ < Cu2+
86. The correct statement regarding the thermodynamic stability and kinetic reactivity of metal ion

CHEM ACADEMY
complexes is that
(a) more stable complexes are less reactive
(b) there exists a dependence on the bulkiness of the ligand
(c) there exists no direct relation between these two phenomenon
(d) there exists a dependence on the size of the metal ion
87. In the complexes [Fe(H2O)6]3+, [Fe(SCN)6]3–, [Fe(C2O4)3]3– and [FeCl6]3–, more stability is shown
by
(a) [Fe(H2O)6]3+ (b) [Fe(SCN)6]–3 (c) [Fe(C2O4)3]3– (d) [FeCl6]3–
Colour
88. Solution of complex [Co(NH3)6]2+, [Co(H2O)6]2+, [CoCl4]2– are coloured one is pink, another
is yellow and third is blue. Assign proper colour.
(a) Yellow, Pink, Blue (b) Yellow, Blue, Pink
(c) Pink, Yellow, Blue (d) Blue, Pink, Yellow
89. Cu(II) forms pink colour complex with o-phenanthrolene [Cu(Phen)3]. When this complex is
reduced colour of complex disappear, the colour in compound is due to
(a) LMCT (b) d-d transfer (c) MLCT (d) None of these
90. When light is passed through a solution of Nickel sulphate, green colour is observed. Colour
observed because of
(a) d-d transition (b) LMCT
(c) MLCT (d) Intravalence charge transfer

96 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
91. Origin of colour in [W(CO)4phen] is due to
(a) d-d transition (b) MLCT
(c) LMCT (d) Jahn Teller distortion
92. Ligand to metal charge transfer energies increases in order
(a) [CoI4]– < [CoBr4]– < [CoCl4]– (b) [CoCl4]– < [CoBr4]– < [CoI4]–
(c) [CoCl4]– = [CoBr4]– = [CoI4]– (d) [CoBr4]– < [CoI4]– < [CoCl4]–
93. Arrange following in increasing order of intensity of colours
(a) F2 > Cl2 > Br2 > I2 (b) Cl2 > Br2 > F2 > I2
(c) I2 > Cl2 > Br2 > F2 (d) I2 > Br2 > Cl2 > F2
94. The colour of K2Cr2O7 is due to ?
(a) d–d transition (b) Transition in K+ ion
(c) Ligand to metal charge transfer (d) Metal to ligand charge transfer
95. Identify the dark blue colour formed when [Fe(CN)6]3– is treated with FeSO4 & account for the
origin of its colour.
(a) Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 & intervalence charge transfer
(b) Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2 & intervalence charge transfer
(c) Fe3[Fe(CN)6]3 & metal to ligand charge transfer

96. CHEM ACADEMY

(d) None of these
The complex with the most intense colour among the following is
(a) [FeF6]3– (b) [MnCl4]2– (c) [CoCl4]2– (d) [CoF6]3–
97. The bright yellow colour of [Cu(phen)2]+ (phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline) is due to
(a) d-d transitions (b) Metal to ligand charge transfer
(c) Ligand to metal charge transfer (d)  to  transition in the phenanthroline ligand
98. The violet colour of iodine vapour is due to
(a) n –  transition (b)  –  transition
(c) n –  transition (d)  –  transition
99. Unlike d-d transitons, the f-f transitions
(a) Do not change much with change in ligand
(b) Change significantly with change in ligand
(c) Appear at low energies i.e., at the near-IR region
(d) Appear as broad bands
100. The red colour of oxyhaemoglobin is mainly due to the
(a) d-d transition (b) Metal to ligand charge transfer transition
(c) Ligand to metal charge transfer transition
(d) Intraligand  –  transition

Coordination Complexes 97
IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
101. The heme is present at the active site of many proteins and enzymes including hemoglobin,
cytochromes etc. It is an iron complex of a cyclic aromatic ligand named porphyrin. Several
metal complexes of porphyrin synthesized in the laboratory have similar absorption spectra, except
that the most intense absorption band position is either red shifted or blue shifted around 400 nm
depending of the nature of them metal ion. The origin of this most intense absorption band in
these porphyrin complexes is :
(a) MLCT transitions (b) LMCT transitions
(c) d-d transitions (d)  –  transitions
102. The intense red colour of [Fe(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2, 2-bipyridine) is due to
(a) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT)
(b) lignad-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT)
(c) d-d transition (d) inter-valence charge transfer (IVCT)
103. The absorption of [Co(NH3)6] is 2+

(a) stronger than that of [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+

(b) stronger than that of [MnCl4]2–
(c) weaker than that of [MnCl4]2– but stronger than that of [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+
(d) weaker than those of both [MnCl4]2– and [Co(NH3)5]2+
104. Solution of (I) [Cr(OH2)6]3+ ions are pale blue green but the chromate ion, (II) CrO42– is an

CHEM ACADEMY
intense yellow. Characterise origin of transition
(a) Colour is due to LMCT in II (b) Colour is due to LMCT in I
(c) d-d transition in II (d) MLCT in II
105. Arrange the following in increasing order of LMCT energy
(a) VO34  NbO34  TaO 34 (b) VO34  NbO 34  TaO 34
(c) VO34  NbO 34  TaO 34 (d) VO34  NbO 34  TaO 34
106. What is true for [CoF6]3– and [FeF6]3–
(a) [FeF6]3– is coloured and [CoF6]3– is colourless
(b) [FeF6]3– is colourless while [CoF6]3– is coloured
(c) Both are colourless (d) Both are coloured
107. The light pink colour of [Co(H2O)6] and the deep blue colour of [CoCl4]2– are due to
2+

(a) MLCT transition in the first and d-d transition in the second
(b) LMCT transition in both
(c) d-d transition in first and MLCT transition in second
(d) d-d transition in both
108. Which one of the following complex ions shows the minimum intensity of absorption in the UV-
visible region?
(a) [Cr(H2O)6]2+ (b) [V(H2O)6]2+ (c) [Mn(H2O)6]2+ (d) [Co(H2O)6]2+
109. The lowest energy d-d transition energy difference value in the Cr(III) complexes in the order:
(a) CrCl63– < Cr(H2O)63+ < Cr(en)33+ < Cr(CN)63–
98 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
3– 3+ 3+ 3–
(b) CrCl < Cr(en) < Cr(H2O) < Cr(CN)
6 3 6 6
(c) Cr(CN)63– < CrCl < Cr(H2O) < Cr(en)
6
3–
6
3+
3
3+

(d) Cr(H2O)63+ < Cr(en)33+ < CrCl < Cr(CN)

6
3–
6
3–

Magnetism
110. The electronic configuration that have orbital angular momentum contribution in an octahedral
environment are :
(a) d1 and high spin d4 (b) d1 and d2
(c) d1 and high spin d6 (d) high spin d4 and high spin6
111. In tetrahedral geometry, which one of the folowing sets of electronic configuration will have
orbital contribution to the magnetic moment ?
(a) d3, d4, d8 and d9 (b) d1, d6, d7 and d9
(c) d3, d4, d7 and d9 (d) d1, d3, d4 and d9
112. The plot of T versus T (where  is molar mageitc susceptibility and T is the temperature) for a
paramagnetic complex with strictly follows Curie law is :

T T
(a) (b)

CHEM ACADEMY
T T

T T
(c) (d)

T T
113. Which of the following statements is true about ferromagnets ?
(a) In the presence of a magnetic field, the unpaired spins of a ferromagnet all align with the
external field. In the absence of external magnetic field, spins then revert back immediately to the
original state
(b) The origin of magnetism in a ferromagnet arises from randomly arranged paired spins in a
lattice
(c) A ferromagnetic material is weaker (in its attraction to an external magnetic field) than a
paramagnetic material
(d) None of the above.
114. The number of unpaired electron (s) present in the species [Fe(H2O)5(NO)]2+ which is formed
during brown ring test is
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
115. For [FeF6]3– and [Fe(CN)6]3– magnetic moment of the fluoride complex is expected to be–
(a) The same as the magnetic moment of the cyanide complex
(b) Larger than the magnetic moment of the cyanide complex because there are more unpaired
electrons in the fluoride complex
Coordination Complexes 99
IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
(c) Smaller than the magnetic moment of the cyanide complex because there are more unpaired
electrons in the fluoride complex
(d) Larger than the magnetic moment of the cyanide complex because there are few unpaired
electrons in the fluoride complex
Terms & Symbols
116. Number of microstates arising from p1d configuration
(a) 60 (b) 16 (c) 10 (d) 15
117. The number of microstates for d5 electron configruation is :
(a) 21 × 63 (b) 14 × 63 (c) 7 × 62 (d) 28 × 63
118. What terms can arise from the configuration 2p13p1 ?
(a) 3D, 1D, 3P, 1P, 3S, 1S (b) 3D, 3P, 3S
(c) 1D, 1P, 1S (d) 1D, 3P, 3S
119. The possible J values for 3 D term symbol are
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
2 1 1
120. The lowest energy state of the (1s) (2s) (3s) configuration of Be is :
(a) 1S0 (b) 1D2 (c) 3S1 (d) 3P1
121. Possible term symbol for an atom with configuration s1p1
(a) 1P
CHEM ACADEMY (b) 3P

(b) 4D
(c) 1S

(c) 3F
3+
122. Determine the ground state term symbol for Cr complex
(a) 4F
(d) Both a and b

(d) 1F
123. The possible J value for 3P terms symbol are
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
15
124. The S and L values for N atom respectively are
(a) 1/2 and 1 (b) 1/2 and 0 (c) 1 and 0 (d) 3/2 and 0
125. The number of microstates in term d3
(a) 120 (b) 20 (c) 45 (d) 15

EXERCISE - II
Multiple Correct Type
1. Consider the following two reactions—
Co 2   4CH 3 NH 2 
k1
 A H 1o
Co 2   2H 2 NCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 
k2
 B  H o2
According to given information the correct statement is —
(a)  H o2 is more negative than H1o (b) Compound A as optically inactive
(c) Compound B is optically active
(d) Formation constant K2 is greater than formation constant K1.

100 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
2. Which of the following can act as -acid ligand—
(a) -cyclopentadienyl (b) -allyl (c)B3N3H6
(d) -cyclopentadienyl
3. Which of the following is/are correct statement (s) ?
(a) [Co(en)3] [Cr(CN)6] will display coordination isomerism.
(b) [Mn(CO)5(SCN)] will display linkage isomerism.
(c) [Co(NH3)5(NO3)]SO4 will display ionization isomerism
(d) [Co(NH3)4(H2O)2]Cl2 will show hydrate isomerism
4. Select correct statement—
(a) Generally chelation is maximum for five membered ring .
(b) Greater is the charege central metal ion, lesser is the CFSE.
(c) Greater is the basic character of ligand, lesser is the stability of the complex.
(d) Greater is the formation constant of complex ion greater is the stability.
5. In the following square planer complex
C6H5 H
H C NH2 NH2 C H
Pt
C6H5 C NH2 NH2 C Me
H Me
++

CHEM ACADEMY ++
If Pt is sbustituted by Be , than incorrect statement about the formed complex is—
(a) Be- Complex will have two diastereomess.
(b) Be-complex will be optically active.
(c) Be-complex has plane of symmetry and will be opitically inactive.
(d) Complex can be resolved into d and l form.
6. Which is correct statement—

(a) Ag  NH3  2  is linear with sp hybradised Ag+ ion.
(b) NiCl42–, VO43– and MnO4– have tetrahedral geometry
2 2
(c)  Pt  NH 3 4  and  Ni  CN  4  have dsp2 hybridisation of metal ion.

(d) Fe(CO)5 has trigonal bipyramidal structure with d z2 sp 3 hybridised iron

7. For  Ni  CO 4  and K 2  Ni  CN 4  , which properties are different for given pairs.

(a) Magnetic moment (b) Oxidation state of central metal
(c) Geometry (d) CFSE
8. Which of the following statement(s) is (are) correct ?
(a) hexacyanidoferrate (II) ion has four unpaired electrons in 3d-orbital.
(b) tetracyanidonickelate (II) ion is square plannar.
(c) IUPAC name of [Zn(OH)4]–2 ion is tetrahydroxidozinc (II) ion
(d) the coordination number of Cr in [Cr(NH3)2(en)2]+3 is 6.
Coordination Complexes 101
IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
9. Which of the following exhibit geometrical isomerism (M stands for a metal, and a and b are
achiral ligands)?
(a) Ma2b2 (Sq. Pl.) (b) Ma4b2 (c) Ma5b (d) Ma6
10. Which of the following statement(s) is (are) correct ?
(a) The oxidation state of iron in sodium nitro prusside Na2[Fe(CN)5(NO)] is +II.
(b) [Ag(NH3)2]+ is linear in shape.
(c) In [Fe(H2O)6]+3, Fe is d2sp3 hybridized.
(d) In Ni(CO)4, the oxidation state of Ni is zero.
11. Choose the correct IUPAC name(s) of the given compound

(a) Bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)di––hydroxidobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) ion

(b) Di––hydroxidotetrakis(ethylenediamine)dicobalt(III) ion
(c) Di––hydroxidobis{bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)} ion
(d) Bis{–hydroxidobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)} ion.
12. Which of the following statements is not true about the complex ion [CrCl(NO2)(en)2]+ (en =
ethylene diamine)

CHEM ACADEMY
(a) It has two geometrical isomers-cis and trans
(b) cis and trans forms are not diastereomers to each other
(c) Only the cis isomer displays optical activity
(d) It has three optically active isomers : d, l and meso forms
13. Which of the following will have two stereoisomeric forms?
(a) [Cr(NO3)3(NH3)3] (b) K3[Fe(C2O4)3]
(c) [CoCl2(en)2]+ (d) [CoBrCl(Ox)2]3–
14. Select the correct statement(s).
(a) Co(III) is stabilised in presence of weak field ligands, while Co(II) is stabilised in presence of
strong field ligand.
(b) Four coordinated complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) are diamagnetic and square planar.
(c) [Ni(CN)4]4– ion and [Ni(CO)4] are diamagnetic tetrahedral complexes.
(d) Ni2+ ion does not form inner orbital octahedral complexes
15. Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect

(a) In [CoBrCl(en ) 2 ] geometrical isomerism exists, while optical isomerism does not exist
(b) Potassium aquadicyanidosuperoxidoperoxidochromate(III) is IUPAC name for
K2[Cr(CN)2(O2)(O2)(H2O)]
(c) There are 3 geometrical isomers and 15 stereoisomers possible for
[Pt(NO2)(NH3)(NH2OH)(py)]+ and [PtBr Cl I (NO2)(NH3)(py)] respectively
(d) cis and trans forms are not stereoisomers to each other
102 Coordination Complexes
 CHEM ACADEMY
16. Which of the following is correct about
Tetraamminedithiocyanato-s cobalt(III) tris(oxalato)cobaltate(III)
(a) formula of the complex is [Co(SCN)2(NH3)4][Co(ox)3]
(b) It is a chelating complex and show linkage isomerism.
(c) It shows optical isomerism.
(d) It shows geometrical isomerism.
17. Which is correct statement(s)?
(a) [Ag(NH3)2]+ is linear with sp hybridised Ag+ ion

(b) NiCl 24 , VO34 and MnO 4 have tetrahedral geometry

(c) [Cu(NH3)4]2+ , [Pt(NH3)4]2+ & [Ni(CN)4]2– have dsp2 hybridisation of the metal ion

(d) Fe(CO)5 has trigonal bipyramidal structure with d 2 sp3 hybridised iron.
z

18. Which of the following statements is/are true

(a) Sulphide ions react with Na 2 [Fe(NO)(CN) 5 ] to form a purple coloured compound
Na4[Fe(CN)5(NOS)]. In the reaction, the oxidation state of iron changes
(b) In B2H6 vacant orbital take part in hybridisation
(c) In B2H6, there are only 12 bonding electrons available

CHEM ACADEMY
(d) Bond length of NO+ is less than in NO

EXERCISE - III
Numerical Answer Type
1. How many electrons are present in eg set of d orbital of sodium nitroprusside complex
Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]
2. Consider the following reaction
Na / liq.NH3
k 2  Ni  CN  4  R.A.
k 4  Ni  CN  4 
(A) (B)
Find change in magnetic moment from complex A to B
3. If x and y are total number of electrons which are present in non axial and axial set of d orbital
respectively in Ni cation of  Ni  dmg 2  , then calculate value of x 2  y
4. In bis (dimethyl glyoximato) Nickel (II), the sum of number of Ni–N, Ni–O and intramolecular
hydrogen bonds respectively is—
5. Total number of ligands which can from 5 membered ring with metal atom ion—
1. Glycinate (gly) 2. Acelylacetanato 3.Dipyridine 4. Butylenediamine
5. Ethylenediamine 6. Phenanthrolene 7.Acetate 8. EDTA
9. Diethylene triamine

Coordination Complexes 103

IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance

6. Consider the complex  Co  NH 3  4 CO 3  ClO 4 find sum of co-ordination number, oxidation

number and number of d electrons on metal ion
7. The possible value for 3D term symbol are

8. The number of possible Isomer for  Ru  bpy  2 Cl 2  is

9. Total number of geometrical Isomers for the complex  Rh  Cl  CO  PPh 3  NH 3  

10. EDTA4– is ethylenediamine tetraacetate ion. The total number of N–Co–O bond angle in

 Co  EDTA   ion is

11. Spin only magnetic moment of the compound Hg  Co  SCN  4  is

12. The number of ions formed, when bis (ethane-1,2-diamine) copper (II) sulphate is dissolved in
water will be
13. How many EDTA molecules are required to make an octahedral complex with a Ca2+ ion ?

14. Among TiF62 , CoF63 , Cu2Cl2 and NiCl 24 , how many species are coloureless
15. Assign the oxidation sate of iron in Na4[Fe (CN)5(NOS)]
16. The number of water molecule(s) directly bonded to the metal centre in CuSO4. 5H2O is
17.

18.
CHEM ACADEMY
The spin only magnetic moment value (in Bohr magneton units) of Cr(CO)6 is

3  SCN
In the reaction Fe  
A
F (excess) colourless (B) find out spin only magnetic
Excess Blood Re d 
moment of B
EXERCISE - IV
Previous Year Questions
IIT-JAM Previous Year Questions
1. The magnetic moment of the complex K3[CoF6] is 5.0 µB. The total stabilization energy will be
(a) –0.4 0 (b) –0.4 0 + P (c) –2.4 0 + 3P (d) –1.8 0 + 3P
2. The True Statement about [Cu(H2O)6]2+ is
(a) All Cu–O bond lengths are equal
(b) One Cu–O bond length is shorter than the remaining five
(c) Three Cu–O bond lengths are shorter than the remaining three
(d) Four Cu–O bond lengths are shorter than the remaining two
3. The complexes [Pt(CN)4]2– and [NiCl4]2–, respectively are
(a) paramagnetic, paramagnetic (b) diamagnetic, diamagnetic
(c) paramagnetic, diamagnetic (d) diamagnetic, paramagnetic
4. The red colour of ruby is due to
(a) d-d transition of Cr3+ ion in Cr2O3 lattice

104 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
3+
(b) d-d transition of Cr ion in Al2O3 lattice
(c) ligand to metal charge transfer transition
(d) metal to metal charge transfer transition
5. The ion(s) that exhibit only charge transfer bond in the absorption spectra (UV-visible region)
is(are)
(a) [Cr(C2O4)3]3– (b) [CrO4]2– (c) [ReO4]– (d) [NiO2]2–
6. The total number of isomers possible for the molecule [Co(NH3)4Cl(NO2)]+ is ______.
7. The electronic transitions responsible for the colour of K2Cr2O7 and porphyrin in their solid state
respectively are:
(a) d  d;    (b) M  L charge transfer;   
(c) L  M charge transfer;    (d) L  M charge transfer; d  d
8. The correct order of crystal field strength is : (Given: en = enthylenediamine)
(a) Cl– < H2O < en < (5 – C5H5)– (b) H2O < Cl– < (5 – C5H5)– < en
(c) H2O < (5 – C5H5)– < en < Cl– (d) en < Cl– < H2O < (5 – C5H5)–
9. The spin-only magnetic moments of K3[Fe(oxalate)3] and K3[Ru(oxalate)3] are 5.91 µB and 1.73
µB, respectively. Write down their ligand field electronic configurations. Justify your answer.
Atomic number of Fe and Ru are 26 and 44 respectively.
10. Show with labels the splitting of d-orbitals in an octahedral ligand field. Calculate the CFSE of (i)

11.
CHEM ACADEMY
high spin d6 and (ii) low spin d6 metal ions in octahedral field.
A coordination compound is composed of one Co(III), one chloride, one sulphate and four
molecules of ammonia. The aqueous solution of the compound gives no precipitate when combined
with aqueous BaCl2, while a white precipitate is formed with aqueous AgNO3 solution. Draw its
structure and explain the observations with chemical equations.
12. The oxide that has the inverse spinel structure is
(a) FeCr2O4 (b) MnCr2O4 (c) CoAl2O4 (d) CoFe2O4
13. Addition of an aqueous solution of Fe(II) to potassium hexacyanochromate (III) produces a
brick-red coloured complex, which turn dark green at 100ºC. The dark green complexes is
(a) Fe4[Cr(CN)6]3 (b) KFe[Cr(CN)6] (c) KCr[Fe(CN)6] (d) Fe[Cr(CN)6]
14. The magnetic moment of [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] varies with temperature. The magnetic moments at
200 K and 50 K are 4.9 BM and 0 BM, respectively. Write the d-electron configurations of Fe at
both temperatures and give reason for the observed change in the magnetic moment. (phen =
1,10-phenanthroline)
15. The colour of potassium dichromate is due to
(a) d-d transition (b) transition in K+ ion
(c) Ligand-to-metal charge transfer (d) metal-to-ligand charge transfer
16. Which one of the following configuration will show John-Teller distortion in an octahedral field?
(a) high spin d8 (b) high spin d4 (c) high spin d5 (d) low spin d6
17. (A) Provide IUPAC names for the following complexes:
(i) [CoCl(NH3)5] (ii) K2[PdCl4]

Coordination Complexes 105

IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
(B) The magnetic moment of [Mn(H2O)6] (NO3)2 is approximately 6.0 µB. Find the number of
unpaired electrons, show crystal field splitting and calculate the CFSE.
18. In general, magnetic moment of paramagnetic complexes varies with temperature as
(a) T2 (b) T (c) T–2 (d) T–1
19. (A) For the complexes [FeF6]3– and [Fe(CN)6]3–
(i) show the hybridization using VB (valence bond) theory
(ii) calculate the CFSE (crystal field stabilization energy)
(B) Identify the dark blue complex formed when [Fe(CN)6]3– is treated with FeSO4 and account
for the origin of its colour.
20. The ligand with only sigma () bonding character is
(a) CN– (b) CH3– (c) CO (d) NO
21. The octahedral crystal field splitting (0) of d orbital energies of the following metal ions decreases
in the order
(a) Co2+ > Co3+ > Rh3+ (b) Rh3+ > Co3+ > Co2+
(c) Rh3+ > Co2+ > Co3+ (d) Co3+ > Co2+ > Rh3+
22. The optical absorption spectrum of [Ti(H2O)6]3+ has its absorption maximum at 20300 cm–1.
The magnitude of crystal field stabilization energy in cm–1 is
(a) 8120 (b) 16240 (c) 24360 (d) 50750
23. CHEM ACADEMY
(A) Addition of potassium oxalate solution to a hot solution of potassium dichromate containing
dilute sulfuric acid leads to effervescence and formation of potassium trisoxalatochromate (III).
(i) Write the chemical formula of the chromium complex formed. (ii) Write the balanced chemical
equation for the formation of the complex. (iii) Calculate the room temperature spin-only magnetic
moment, in Bohr magnetons of the complex.
(B) Write the structures of possible isomers of [CoCl2(en)2]Cl.
24. The crystal field stabilization energy of high spin d7 octahedral complex is
4 4 9 9
(a)  0  2P (b)  0  3P (c)  0  2P (d)  0  3P
5 5 5 5
25. The complex with the most intense colour among the following is
(a) [FeF6]3– (b) [MnCl4]2– (c) [CoCl4]2– (d) [CoF6]3–
26. Among the following complexes,
(i) [Ru(bipyridyl)3]+ (ii) [Cr(EDTA)]–
(iii) trans-[CrCl2(oxalate)2]3– (iv) cis-[CrCl2(oxalate)2]3–
the ones that show chirality are
(a) (i), (ii), (iv) (b) (i), (ii), (iii) (c) (ii), (iii), (iv) (d) (i), (iii), (iv)
27. The electronic configuration that have orbital angular momentum contribution in an octahedral
environment are
(a) d1 and high spin d4 (b) d1 and d2
(c) d2 and high spin d6 (d) high spin d4 and high spin d6

106 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
28. 2+ 2+,
(A) Between Cu(H2O)6 and Co(H2O)6 which one has more distorted structure and why?
(B) Calculate CFSE (in units of 0) and spin only magnetic moment for the following complexes:
(i) [CoF6]3– (ii) [Fe(CN)6]3– (iii) [NiCl4]2–
29. The correct order of enthalpy of hydration for the transition metal ions is
(a) Cr2+ > Mn2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+ (b) Ni2+ > Co2+ > Mn2+ > Cr2+
(c) Ni2+ > Co2+ > Cr2+ > Mn2+ (d) Cr2+ > Mn2+ > Ni2+ > Co2+
30. The correct order of wavelength of absorption (max) of the Cr-complexes is (en = ethylenediamine)
(a) [CrF6]3– > [Cr(H2O)6]3+ > [Cr(en)3]3+ > [Cr(CN)6]3–
(b) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ > [CrF6]3– >[Cr(en)3]3+ > [Cr(CN)6]3–
(c) [Cr(CN)6]3– > [Cr(en)3]3+ > [Cr(H2O)6]3+ > [CrF6]3–
(d) [Cr(en)3]3+ > [Cr(CN)6]3– > [Cr(H2O)6]3+ > [CrF6]3–
31. Nitrosyl ligand binds to d-metal atoms in linear and bent fashion and behaves, respectively, as
(a) NO+ and NO+ (b) NO+ and NO– (d) NO– and NO– (d) NO– and NO+
32. Jahn-Teller distortion is/are observed in octahedral complexes with d-electron configuration of
(a) d5-high spin (b) d5-low spin (c) d6-high spin (d) d6-low spin
33. The number of unpaired electron(s) in K2NiF6 is _______
34. The correct order of 0 (the octahedral crystal field splitting of d orbitals) values for the following

CHEM ACADEMY
anionic metal complexes is
(a) [Ir(CN)6 ]3  [Rh(CN)6 ]3  [RhI6 ]3  [CoI 6 ]3
(b) [CoI6 ]3  [RhI6 ]3  [Rh(CN)6 ]3  [Ir(CN)6 ]3
(c) [CoI6 ]3  [Rh(CN)6 ]3  [RhI6 ]3  [Ir(CN) 6 ]3
(d) [Ir(CN)6 ]3  [CoI6 ]3  [Rh(CN)6 ]3  [RhI 6 ]3
35. The number of possible isomers for  Pt  py  NH 3  BrCl  is _______ (py is pyridine)
3
36. The magnitude of crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) of octahedral  Ti  H 2 O  6  complex

is 7680 cm–1. The wavelength at the maximum absorption   max  of this complex is ______ nm
(rounded up to the nearest integer).
Gate Previous Year Questions
37. The experimental magnetic moment of K3[Fe(CN)6] is 2.3 µB and is attributed to
(a) spin only value of low spin Fe (b) Spin only value of high spin Fe
(c) low spin Fe with orbtial contribution
(d) high spin Fe with orbital contribution
38. The IUPAC name of Na[PCl6] is
(a) Sodium hexachlorophosphine (V) (b) Sodium hexachlorophosphate (V)
(c) Sodium hexachlorophosphine (d) Sodium hexachlorophosphite (V)

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IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
39. The no. of possible isomer for square planar mononuclear complex [(NH3)2M(CN)2] of a metal
M is
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 3
40. The complex [Co(H2O)4Cl2]NO2 and [Co(H2O)4Cl(NO2)]Cl are example of
(a) linkage isomer (b) positional isomer
(c) ionisation isomer (d) optical isomers
41. Amongest following that is expected to show highest magnetic moment at room temperature
(a) [Ni(CN)4]2– (b) [Fe(CN)6]3– (c) [Cu(H2O)6]2+ (d) [Co(CN)6]3–
42. MnCr2O4 is
(a) Normal spinel with total CFSE of –15.5 Dq
(b) Inverse spinel with total CFSE of –15.5 Dq
(c) Normal spinel with total CFSE of –24 Dq
(d) Inverse spinel with total CFSE of –24 Dq
43. John-Teller distortion of CuSO4.5H2O acts to
(a) raise symmetry (b) remove an electronic degeneracy
(c) cause loss of H2O ligand
(d) promote a d-electron to an antibonding molecular orbital
44. The complex that exists as a pair of enantiomers is
CHEM ACADEMY
(a) trans-[Co(H2NCH2NH2)2Cl2]+ (b) cis-[Co(NH3)4Cl2]+
(c) [Pt(PPh3)(Cl)(Br)(CH3)]– (d) [Co(H2NCH2CH2NH2)3]3+
45. In the isoelectronic series, VO43–, CrO42– and MnO4–, all members have intense charge transfer
(CT) transition. The incorrect statement is
(a) CT transitions are attributed to excitations of electrons from ligand () to metal (e)
(b) MnO4– exhibits charge transfer at shortest wavelength among the three
(c) The wavelengths of transitions increase in the order VO43– < CrO42– < MnO4–
(d) The charge on metal nucleus increases in the order VO43– < CrO42– < MnO4–
46. The increasing order of wavelength of absorption for the complex ions
(i) [Cr(NH3)6]3+ (ii) [CrCl6]3– (iii) [Cr(OH2)6]3+ (iv) [Cr(CN)6]3–
(a) (iv) < (ii) < (i) < (iii) (b) (iv) < (ii) < (ii) < (i)
(c) (iv) < (i) < (iii) < (ii) (d) (ii) < (iii) < (i) < (iv)
47. The d-d absorption band of [Fe(H2O)6]2+ is split due to
(a) presence of octahedral geometry (b) static John-Teller distortion
(c) dynamic John-Teller distortion (d) presence of trigonal bipyramidal geometry
48. Arrange the following metal complexes in order of their increasing hydration energy
[Mn(H2O)6]2+ [V(H2O)6]2+ [Ni(H2O)6]2+ [Ti(H2O)6]2+
P Q R S
(a) P < S < Q < R (b) P < Q < R < S (c) Q < P < R < S (d) S < R < Q < P

108 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
2+ 2+ 2+
49. The enthalpies of hydration of Ca , Mn and Zn follow the order:
(a) Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Zn2+ (b) Zn2+ > Ca2+ > Mn2+
(c) Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Ca2+ (d) Zn2+ > Mn2+ > Ca2+
50. An octahedral metal ion M2+ has magnetic moment of 4.0 BM. The correct combination of metal
ion and d-electron configuration is given by
(a) Co 2  , t 52g e g2 (b) Mn2+, t 32g e1g (c) Cr2+, t 42g e g2 (d) Fe2+, t 42g e g2
51. For the complex ion [Cu(NH3)6]2+, the coordination geometrical will be
(a) Octahedral (b) tetragonally distorted octahedral
(c) trigonal prismatic (d) trigonal antiprismatic
52. Among RO , AsMe3, ROR, CN , AsMe3, RCO2–, SCN–, the set of ligands with good -acceptor
– –
nature are
(a) RO–, RCO2–, SCN– (b) RO–, RCO2–, AsMe3
(c) AsMe3, CN–, SCN– (d) RO–, ROR, RCO2–
53. Among the compounds Fe3O4, NiFe2O4 and Mn3O4
(a) NiFe2O4 and Mn3O4 are normal spinels
(b) Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 are normal spinels
(c) Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 are inverse spinels

54.
CHEM ACADEMY
(d) Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4 are inverse spinels
Amongst the following, the complex ion that would show strong Jahn-Teller distortion is
(a) [Cr(H2O)6]2+ (b) [Ti(H2O)6]2+ (c) [Co(H2O)6]2+ (d) [Fe(H2O)6]2+
CSIR-NET Previous Year Questions
55. The correct order of acidity among the following species is :
(a) [Na(H2O)6]+ > [Ni(H2O)6]2+ > [Mn(H2O)6]2+ > [Sc(H2O)6]3+
(b) [Sc(H2O)6]3+ > [Ni(H2O)6]2+ > [Mn(H2O)6]2+ > [Na(H2O)6]+
(c) [Mn(H2O)6]2+ > [Ni(H2O)6]2+ > [Sc(H2O)6]3+ > [Na(H2O)6]+
(d) [Sc(H2O)6]3+ > [Na(H2O)6]+ > [Ni(H2O)6]2+ > [Mn(H2O)6]2+
56. Identify the order representing increasing -acidity of the following ligands C2F4, NEt3, CO and
C2H4
(a) CO < C2F4 < C2H4 < NEt3 (b) C2F4 < C2H4 < NEt3 < CO
(c) C2H4 < NEt3 < CO < C2F4 (d) NEt3 < C2H4 < C2F4 < CO
57. Among the following, the correct acid strength trend is represented by
(a) [Al(H2O)6]3+ < [Fe(H2O)6]3+ < [Fe(H2O)6]2+
(b) [Fe(H2O)6]3+ < [Al(H2O)6]3+ < [Fe(H2O)6]2+
(c) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ < [Fe(H2O)6]3+ < [Al(H2O)6]3+
(d) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ < [Al(H2O)6]3+ < [Fe(H2O)6]3+

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IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance
58. Copmpound K2Ba[Cu(NO2)6] (A) and Cs2Ba[Cu(NO2)]6 (B) exhibit tetragonal elongation and
tetragonal compression, respectively. The unpaired electron in A and B are found respectively, in
orbitals :
2 2
(a) d z and d x 2  y 2 (b) d x 2  y 2 and d z

(c) d 2z and d 2z (d) d x2  y2 and d x 2  y2

59. [CoL6]3+ is red in colour whereas [CoL6]3+ is green. L and L respectively corresponds to,
(a) NH3 and H2O (b) H2O and 1, 10-phenanthroline
(c) NH3 and 1, 10-phenanthroline (d) H2O and NH3
60. The spin-only magnetic moment and the spectroscopic ground state term symbol of manganese
center in [MnF6]3– ion respectively, are
(a) 4.9 BM and 5D (b) 4.9 BM and 4F
(c) 3.9 BM and 3D (d) 4.9 BM and 3F
61. The spin only (µs) and spin plus orbital (µS + L) magnetic moments of [CrCl6]3– are
(a) 3.87 BM and 5.20 BM (b) 2.84 BM and 5.20 BM
(c) 3.87 BM and 6.34 BM (d) 2.84 BM and 6.34 BM
62. 2+
According to crystal field theory, Ni can have two unpaired electrons in

CHEM ACADEMY
(a) Both octahedral and tetrahedral geometry
(b) Square-planar geometry only
(c) Tetrahedral geometry only (d) Octahedral geometry only
63. 2– 2–
[Ni(CN)4] and [NiCl4] complex ions are
(a) Both diamagnetic (b) Both paramagnetic
(c) Diamagnetic and paramagnetic respectively
(d) Antiferromagnetic and diamagnetic respectively
64. The number of possible isomers for [Ru(bpy)2Cl2] is
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
65. The correct d-electron configuration showing spin-orbit coupling is

(a) t 62g e g2 (b) t 62g e 0g (c) t 42g e g0 (d) t 32g e 2g

66. The complex [Mn(H2O)6]2+ has very light pink colour. The best reason for it is
(a) The complex does not have a charge transfer transition
(b) d-d transitions here are orbital forbidden but spin allowed.
(c) d-d transitions here are orbital allowed but spin forbidden.
(d) d-d transitions here are both orbital forbidden and spin forbidden.

110 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
67. For the given complexes (A), (B), (C) & (D) the ideal octahedral geometry will not be observed
in
(A) [Ni(H2O)6]2+ (B) [Mn(H2O)6]2+ (C) [Cr(H2O)6]3+ (D) [Ti(H2O)6]3+
(a) (A) and (D) (b) (C) and (D) (c) (B) only (d) (D) only
68. The correct spinel structure of Co3O4 is
(a) (Co2+)t(2Co3+)oO4 (b) (Co3+)t(2Co2+ Co3+)oO4
(c) (Co2+ Co3+)t (Co3+)oO4 (d) (2Co3+)t(Co2+)oO4
69. The maximum bond order obtained from the molecular orbitals of a transition metal dimer formed
as linear combinations of d-orbitals alone is
(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6

CHEM ACADEMY

Coordination Complexes 111

IIT-JAM / M.Sc. Entrance

ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE - I
1. d 2. d 3. a 4. a,d 5. c 6. a,b 7. d
8. b 9. d 10. d 11. d 12. a,b 13. c 14. a
15. a 16. d 17. a 18. a 19. c 20. c 21. b
22. d 23. a 24. d 25. a 26. b 27. c 28. a
29. a 30. d 31. b 32. b 33. a 34. a 35. b
36. c 37. d 38. a 39. c 40. a 41. c 42. c
43. d 44. a 45. b 46. a 47. d 48. b 49. c
50. b 51. d 52. d 53. c 54. a 55. b 56. a
57. c 58. b 59. b 60. a 61. c 62. b 63. b
64. a 65. a 66. d 67. a 68. b 69. b 70. b
71. c 72. d 73. a,b,c 74. a 75. c 76. a 77. a
78. b 79. d 80. b,c 81. c 82. b 83. b 84. a
85. d 86. c 87. c 88. a 89. b 90. a 91. b
92. a 93. d 94. c 95. b 96. c 97. b 98. d
99. a
106. b
113. d
CHEM ACADEMY
100. b
107. d
114. b
101. a
108. c
115. b
102. a
109. a
116. a
103. b
110. b,c
117. c
104. a
111. a
118. a
105. a
112. c
119. a,b
120. c 121. a,b,c 122. a 123. a 124. d 125. a
EXERCISE - II
1. a,b,d 2. a,b,c,d 3. a,b,c,d 4. a,d 5. b,d 6. a,b,c,d 7. b,c,d
8. b,d 9. a,b 10. a,b,d 11. a,b,c,d 12. b,d 13. a,b 14. b,c,d
15. a,b,c,d 16. b,c,d 17. a,b,c,d 18. b,c,d
EXERCISE - III
1. 0 2. 0 3. 18 4. 6 5. 7 6. 15 7. 3
8. 3 9. 3 10. 8 11. 15 12. 2 13. 1 14. 2

15. 2 16. 4 17. 0 18. 35

EXERCISE - IV
1. a 2. d 3. d 4. b 5. b,c 6. 4 7. c
8. a

9. K3[Fe (oxalate)3] Fe3+ t 32g e 2g unpaired electron = 5 High spin

K3 [Ru(oxalate)3] Ru3+ t 52g e 0g unpaired electron = 1 Low spin

10. High spin d6 CFSE = –0.4 0

112 Coordination Complexes

 CHEM ACADEMY
d6
Low spin CFSE = –2.4 0 + 2P
11. [Co(NH3)4SO4]Cl + AgNO3  [Co(NH3)4SO4]NO3 + AgCl
12. d 13. c
14. 200 K Fe2+ d6 (High spin) t 42g e 2g (spin equilibria)
50 K Fe2+ d6 (Low spin) t 62g (spin equilibria)
15. c 16. b
17. (A) (i) [CoCl(NH3)5] Pentamminechloro Cobalt (I)
(ii) K2[PdCl4] Potassium tetrachloropalladate (II)
(B) [Mn(H2O)6](NO3)2 d5 (High spin) unpaired electron = 5 CFSE = 0
18. d
19. (A) [FeF6]3– = sp3d2 d5(High spin) CFSE = 0
[Fe(CN)6]3– = d2sp3 d5 (Low spin) CFSE = –2.0 0 + 2P
(B) Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2 Intervalence charge transfer
20. b 21. b 22. a
23. (A) K3[Cr(C2O4)3] µ = 15 B.M.
(B) Three isomers (cis & trans and cis form is optically active)
24. a
28. (A)
filling
CHEM ACADEMY
25. c 26. a 27. b,c
[Cu(H2O)6]2+  d9 configuration has more electron density & having unsymmetrical
of eg orbitals.
(B) CFSE µ
(i) [CoF6]3– –0.4 0 24BM
(ii) [Fe(CN)6]3– –2.0 0 + 2P 3BM
(iii) [NiCl4]2– –0.8 t 8BM
29. c 30. a 31. b 32. b,c 33. 0 34. b 35. 3
36. 521 37. c 38. b 39. c 40. c 41. b 42. c
43. b 44. d 45. b 46. c 47. c 48. a 49. d
50. a 51. b 52. c 53. d 54. a 55. b 56. d
57. d 58. b 59. a 60. a 61. a 62. a 63. c
64. b 65. c 66. d 67. d 68. a 69. b

Coordination Complexes 113