The optically active species among the following is:

Options

A. `[Cr(NH_(3))_(6)]^(3+)`
B. `[Co(CN)_(6)]^(3-)`
C. `[Co(gly)_(3)]`
D. `[Ru(NH_(3))_(6)]^(3+)`

Answer

To determine the optically active species among the given coordination compounds, we need to analyze each compound based on the presence of chiral centers and the ability to form non-superimposable mirror images. Here's a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Optical Activity
Optically active compounds are those that can rotate plane-polarized light. This property arises from the presence of chiral centers, which are typically carbon atoms bonded to four different substituents, or from specific arrangements of ligands in coordination compounds that lead to non-superimposable mirror images.

**Hint:** Look for compounds with chiral centers or unique arrangements of ligands.

### Step 2: Analyze the First Compound
Consider the first compound with amine ligands (NH3). Since all ligands are identical (monodentate), the compound will have a symmetrical arrangement. When you draw the mirror image, it will superimpose on the original structure.

**Conclusion:** This compound is not optically active.

**Hint:** Symmetrical arrangements with identical ligands usually lead to non-optical activity.

### Step 3: Analyze the Second Compound
Next, examine the compound with cyano ligands (CN). Similar to the first compound, the presence of identical ligands in a symmetrical arrangement means that the mirror image will also superimpose.

**Conclusion:** This compound is also not optically active.

**Hint:** Look for symmetry in the arrangement of ligands; it often indicates non-optical activity.

### Step 4: Analyze the Third Compound
Now, consider the compound with glycinate ligands (GLY). Glycinate is a bidentate ligand, meaning it can attach to the metal at two different sites. This creates the potential for an asymmetric arrangement. When you draw the structure, you will find that the two glycinate ligands can occupy different spatial orientations.

**Conclusion:** This compound can form a non-superimposable mirror image, making it optically active.

**Hint:** Bidentate ligands can create asymmetry, leading to optical activity.

### Step 5: Analyze the Fourth Compound
Finally, look at the compound with the formula [Ru(NH3)6]Cl3. Similar to the first two compounds, all ligands are identical and arranged symmetrically around the central metal ion.

**Conclusion:** This compound is not optically active.

**Hint:** Again, identical ligands in a symmetrical arrangement indicate non-optical activity.

### Final Conclusion
After analyzing all the compounds, we find that the only optically active species is the one containing glycinate ligands.

**Answer:** The optically active species among the given options is the one with glycinate ligands (Option C).