Find the total number of stereoisomers of `[M(gly)_(3)]`
[Where M is any metal capable of forming such complexes.]`

Explanation

To find the total number of stereoisomers of the complex \([M(gly)_3]\) where M is a metal that can form such complexes, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the ligand and its properties
Glycine (gly) is a bidentate ligand, meaning it has two donor atoms that can coordinate to the metal center. In glycine, the donor atoms are the nitrogen (N) and the oxygen (O) atoms.

**Hint:** Remember that bidentate ligands can create different geometric arrangements around the metal center.

### Step 2: Determine the possible geometric isomers
For octahedral complexes with three bidentate ligands, we can have two types of geometric isomers: facial (fac) and meridional (mer).

- **Facial (fac)**: The three bidentate ligands occupy adjacent positions around the metal center.
- **Meridional (mer)**: The three bidentate ligands occupy positions such that one ligand is opposite another.

**Hint:** Visualize the arrangement of ligands around the metal to differentiate between facial and meridional isomers.

### Step 3: Count the geometric isomers
In this case, we can have:
- 2 geometric isomers: 1 facial and 1 meridional.

**Hint:** Draw the structures of both isomers to see how the ligands are arranged differently.

### Step 4: Determine optical activity
Next, we need to check for optical isomers (enantiomers).
- The facial isomer can exist in two enantiomeric forms (optically active).
- The meridional isomer can also exist in two enantiomeric forms (optically active).

**Hint:** Look for a plane of symmetry in the structures; if none exists, the isomer is likely optically active.

### Step 5: Calculate the total number of stereoisomers
Since both the facial and meridional isomers have two enantiomers each, we can calculate the total number of stereoisomers as follows:
- 2 (facial isomers) + 2 (meridional isomers) = 4 stereoisomers in total.

**Hint:** Remember to sum all the unique isomers to get the final count.

### Final Answer
The total number of stereoisomers of \([M(gly)_3]\) is **4**.