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Question #44590

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

An optically active amine $\textbf{L}$ (molecular formula $\ce{C5H13N}$ ) reacts with Hinsberg's reagent to form a sulfonamide that is insoluble in aqueous $\ce{KOH}$ . A single enantiomer of $\textbf{L}$ , having the ( $R$ )-configuration at its chiral carbon, is used to synthesize an inert, octahedral complex $\textbf{X}$ with the formula $\ce{[Co(en)2(L)Cl]^2+}$ .

Considering all forms of configurational stereoisomerism and assuming no ligand dissociation occurs, what is the total number of possible stereoisomers for complex $\textbf{X}$ ?

Options

A.
3
B.
4
C.
6
D.
8

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Mechanism_Trap

Don't get tricked by the process! Learn the mechanical traps used in competitive exam questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

Crystal Field Splitting (Octahedral)|Optical Isomerism Logic|Hinsberg Reagent Selectivity

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

The problem tests the intersection of organic qualitative analysis and advanced coordination stereochemistry.

The 'trap' lies in the Hinsberg test: students must deduce that L is a secondary amine.

The 'hidden variable' is that coordination of a secondary amine to an inert Co(III) center locks the nitrogen lone pair, preventing pyramidal inversion and generating a new stable stereocenter at nitrogen.

Students who miss this will assume only the carbon is chiral and incorrectly answer 3 (1 trans + 2 cis).

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

Subject	Chemistry
Chapter	Coordination Compounds - Class 12
Concept	Crystal Field Splitting (Octahedral)
Difficulty	8
Cognitive Load	7
Target Solve Time	160 sec
Access	Free