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NCERT Solutions
Class 12
Chemistry
Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds

Frequently Asked Questions

They provide standardized methods for IUPAC naming and structural representation. Since coordination chemistry is a significant part of the board syllabus, these solutions ensure students follow the specific formatting required for full marks.

They simplify complex theories like CFT and VBT, which are frequently tested in JEE and NEET. Mastering the NCERT exercises helps students quickly identify hybridization and magnetic properties, saving time during competitive tests.

Yes, they are fully updated to reflect the current CBSE curriculum. They are useful because they focus on high-yield topics like isomerism and orbital splitting, which are essential for both modern board patterns and national entrance exams.

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NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 - Coordination Compounds

NCERT Solutions to Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 (Coordination Compounds) are a key to students developing a strong conceptual basis for CBSE board exams and other competitive exams (like JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NEET). Theoretical foundations provided in this chapter will enable students to comprehend Complex Salts and Bonding in Metal Complexes. Understanding these concepts is very important to the students as these concepts lead to many of the systems that are based on this technology such as biological catalysts like Hemoglobin and Industrial applications such as Electroplating.



Students will be able to use the NCERT Solutions to Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 to predict complex structure and magnetic behaviour by using both the IUPAC Nomenclature System and Crystal Field Theory (CFT). Well documented NCERT Solutions allow students to build a basis for their fundamentals, practice important Structural Problems and as a result do well in Term Exams, Board Exams and National Level Competitive Examinations.

1.0Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds: Key Concepts

This chapter deals with the structure, naming, bonding, properties, and uses of coordination compounds. The main topics include:

  • Werner’s Theory: Understand the difference between primary valency and secondary valency and how they explain the structure of coordination compounds.
  • Basic Terms: Learn important terms such as coordination entity, central metal atom or ion, ligand, coordination number, coordination sphere, and oxidation state.
  • Types of Ligands: Understand unidentate, didentate, and polydentate ligands and how they form bonds with the central metal ion.
  • IUPAC Nomenclature: Learn the rules for naming coordination compounds, including the names of ligands, the central metal, and its oxidation state.
  • Isomerism: Study structural isomerism, including linkage, ionisation, coordination, and solvate isomerism, along with stereoisomerism, including geometrical and optical isomerism.
  • Valence Bond Theory (VBT): Learn how VBT explains the hybridisation, shape, and magnetic behaviour of coordination compounds. Important hybridisations include sp³, dsp², and d²sp³.
  • Crystal Field Theory (CFT): Understand how d-orbitals split in octahedral and tetrahedral complexes and learn about crystal field splitting and crystal field stabilisation energy (CFSE).
  • Bonding in Metal Carbonyls: Understand sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonding between metal atoms and carbon monoxide in metal carbonyls.
  • Importance of Coordination Compounds: Study their applications in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals, and biological systems, including chlorophyll and Vitamin B₁₂.

2.0NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds) : Detailed Solutions

NTEXT QUESTIONS

  1. Write the formulas for the following coordination compounds : (i) Tetraamminediaquacobalt(III) chloride (ii) Potassiumtetracyanonickelate (II) (iii) Tris (ethane-1,2-diamine) chromium(III) chloride (iv) Amminebromideochloridonitrito-N platinate(II) (v) Dichloridobis(ethane-1,2-diamine) platinum(IV) nitrate (vi) Iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II)

Sol. (i) [Co(H2​O)2​(NH3​)4​]Cl3​

(ii) K2​[Ni(CN)4​] (iii) [Cr(en)3​]Cl3​ (iv) [Pt(NH)3​BrCl(NO2​)]− (v) [PtCl2​(en)2​](NO3​)2​ (vi) Fe4​[Fe(CN)6​]3​

2. Write the IUPAC name of the following coordination compounds : (i) [Co(NH3​)6​]Cl3​ (ii) [Co(NH3​)5​Cl]Cl2​ (iii) K3​[Fe(CN)6​] (iv) K3​[Fe(C2​O4​)3​] (v) K2​[PdCl4​] (vi) [Pt(NH3​)2​Cl(NH2​CH3​)]Cl Sol. (i) Hexamminecobalt (III) chloride (ii) Pentaamminechloridocobalt (III) chloride (iii) Potassiumhexacyanoferrate (III) (iv) Potassiumtrioxalatoferrate (III) (v) Potassiumtetrachloridopalladate (II) (vi) Diamminechlorido (methylamine) platinum (II) chloride

3. Indicate the types of isomerism exhibited by the following complexes and draw the structures for these isomers : (i) K[Cr(H2​O)2​(C2​O4​)2​]⋅3H2​O (ii) [Co(en)3​]Cl3​ (iii) [Co(NH3​)5​(NO2​)](NO3​)2​ (iv) [Pt(NH3​)(H2​O)Cl2​]

Sol.

(i) Both geometrical (cis-, trans-) isomers for K[Cr(H2​O)2​(C2​O4​)2​] can exist. Also, optical isomers for cis-isomer exist.

Ques-3-(a)-Class-12-chem-chp-5-ncert- sol

(ii) Two-optical isomers for [Co(en)3​]Cl3​ exist.

Chp-5-class-12-chem-ncert-sol-ques-3-(b)

(iii) [Co(NH3​)5​(NO2​)](NO3​)2​ A pair of optical isomers


Chp-5- cordination-compound-class-12-ncert-sol-qus-3-(c)

It can also show linkage isomerism [Co(NH3​)5​(NO2​)](NO3​)2​ and [Co(NH3​)5​(ONO)](NO3​)2​

It can also show ionization isomerism [Co(NH3​)5​(NO2​)](NO3​)2​ and

[Co(NH3​)5​(NO3​)](NO3​)(NO2​)

(iv) Geometrical (cis-, trans-) isomers of [Pt(NH3​) (H2​O)Cl2​] can exist.


ques-3-(d)-chp-5-chem-class-12-ncert-sol

4. Give evidence that [Co(NH3​)5​Cl]SO4​ and [Co(NH3​)5​SO4​]Cl are ionization isomers. Sol. When ionization isomers are dissolved in water, they ionize to give different ions. These ions then react differently

[Co(NH3​)5​Cl]SO4​+Ba2+⟶BaSO4​↓

White precipitate

​[Co(NH3​)5​Cl]SO4​+Ag+⟶ No reaction [Co(NH3​)5​SO4​]Cl+Ba2+⟶ No reaction [Co(NH3​)5​SO4​]Cl+Ag+⟶AgCl↓​

White precipitate

5. Explain on the basis of valence bond theory that [Ni(CN)4​]2− ion with square planar structure is diamagnetic and the [NiCl4​]2− ion with tetrahedral geometry is paramagnetic. Sol. Ni is in the +2 oxidation state i.e., in d8 configuration. d8 configuration :

There are 4CN−ions. Thus, it can either have a tetrahedral geometry or square planar geometry. Since CN−ion is a strong field ligand, it causes the pairing of unpaired 3d electrons.
It now undergoes dsp2 hybridization. Since all electrons are paired, it is diamagnetic.

In case of [NiCl4​]2−,Cl−ion is a weak field ligand. Therefore, it does not lead to the pairing of unpaired 3d electrons. Therefore, it undergoes sp3 hybridization.

Since there are 2 unpaired electrons in this case, it is paramagnetic in nature.


  • 6. [NiCl4​]2− is paramagnetic while [Ni(CO)4​] is diamagnetic though both are tetrahedral. Why? Sol. Though both [NiCl4​]2− and [Ni(CO)4​] are tetrahedral, their magnetic characters are different. This is due to a difference in the nature of ligands. Cl−is a weak field ligand and it does not cause the pairing of unpaired 3d electrons. Hence, [NiCl4​]2− is paramagnetic.

ques-6-Chemistry-coordination-compounds-class-12-ncert-sol

  • Therefore, it causes the pairing of unpaired 3d electrons. Also, it causes the 4s electrons to shift to the 3d orbital, thereby giving rise to sp3 hybridization. Since no unpaired electrons are present in this case, [Ni(CO)4​] is diamagnetic.
  • 7. [Fe(H2​O)6​]3+ is strongly paramagnetic whereas [Fe(CN)6​]3− is weakly paramagnetic. Explain. Sol. In both [Fe(H2​O)6​]3+ and [Fe(CN)6​]3−, Fe exists in the +3 oxidation state i.e., in d5 configuration.

Class-12-Chap-5-Ncert-sol-ques-7-(a)-chem

  • Since CN−is a strong field ligand, it causes the pairing of unpaired electrons. Therefore, there is only one unpaired electron left in the d-orbital.

ques-7-b-Class-12-Chp-5-Ncert-sol

  • Therefore,

μ=n(n+2)​=1(1+2)​=3​=1.732BM

On the other hand, H2​O is a weak field ligand. Therefore, it cannot cause the pairing of electrons. This means that the number of unpaired electrons is 5 . Therefore,

μ=n(n+2)​=5(5+2)​=35​≃6BM

Thus, it is evident that [Fe(H2​O)6​]3+ is strongly paramagnetic, while [Fe(CN)6​]3− is weakly paramagnetic.

  1. Explain [Co(NH3​)6​]3+ is an inner orbital complex whereas [Ni(NH3​)6​]2+ is an outer orbital complex.

Sol.

Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds Ques 8


  1. Predict the number of unpaired electrons in the square planar [Pt(CN)4​]2− ion. Sol. [Pt(CN)4​]2− In this complex, Pt is in the +2 state. It forms a square planar structure. This means that it undergoes dsp2 hybridization. Now, the electronic configuration of Pt(+2) is 5 d8.

Class 12 Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds Ques 9

  1. CN−being a strong field ligand causes the pairing of unpaired electrons. Hence, there are no unpaired electrons in [Pt(CN)4​]2−.
  • 10.The hexaquo manganese(II) ion contains five unpaired electrons, while the hexacyanoion contains only one unpaired electron. Explain using Crystal Field Theory.


Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds Ques 10


  1. Calculate the overall complex dissociation equilibrium constant for the [Cu(NH3​)4​]+2 ion, given that β4​ for this complex is 2.1×1013. Sol. β4​=2.1×1013 The overall complex dissociation equilibrium constant is the reciprocal of the overall stability constant β4​.

β4​1​=2.1×10131​=4.7×10−14

NCERT EXERCISE

  1. Explain the bonding in coordination compounds in terms of Werner's postulates ? Sol. Werner's postulates explain the bonding in coordination compounds as follows : (i) A metal exhibits two types of valencies namely, primary and secondary valencies. Primary valencies are satisfied by negative ions while secondary valencies are satisfied by both negative and neutral ions. (ii) A metal ion has a definite number of secondary valencies around the central atom. Also, these valencies project in a specific direction in the space assigned to the definite geometry of the coordination compound. (iii) Primary valencies are usually ionizable, while secondary valencies are non-ionizable
  2. FeSO4​ solution mixed with (NH4​)2​SO4​ solutions in 1 : 1 molar ratio gives the test of Fe2+ ion but CuSO4​ solution mixed with aqueous ammonia in 1 : 4 molar ratio does not give the test of Cu2+ ion. Explain why ?

Sol.

(NH4​)2​SO4​+FeSO4​+6H2​O⟶FeSO4​⋅(NH4​)2​SO4​⋅6H2​O Mohr’salt CuSO4​+4NH3​+5H2​O⟶[Cu(NH3​)4​]SO4​⋅5H2​O​

Tetraamminocopper(II)sulphate

Both the compounds i.e., FeSO4​.(NH4​)2​SO4​. 6H2​O and [Cu(NH3​)4​]SO4​.5H2​O fall under the category of addition compounds with only one major difference i.e., the former is an example of a double salt, while the latter is a coordination compound.

  1. Explain with two examples each of the following: Coordination entity, ligand, coordination number, coordination polyhedron, homoleptic and heteroleptic.

Sol.

(i) Coordination entity : A coordination entity is an electrically charged radical or species carrying a positive or negative charge. In a coordination entity, the central atom or ion is surrounded by a suitable number of neutral molecules or negative ions (called ligands). For example :

[Ni(NH3​)6​]2+,[Fe(NH3​)6​]3+

⇒ Cationic complex

[PtCl4​]2−,[Ag(CN)2​]−

⇒ anionic complex

[Ni(CO)4​],[Co(NH3​)4​Cl2​]

⇒ neutral complex (ii) Ligands : The neutral molecules or negatively charged ions that surround the metal atom in a coordination entity or a coordinal complex are known as ligands. For example Cl−,H2​O,H2​ N CH2​CH2​NH2​ etc. (iii) Coordination number : The total number of ligands (either neutral molecules or negative ions) that get attached to the central metal atom in the coordination sphere is called the coordination number of the central metal atom. It is also referred to as its ligancy.

For example :

(a) In the complex, K2​[PtCl6​], there as six chloride ions attached to Pt in the coordinate sphere. Therefore, the coordination number of Pt is 6 . (b) Similarly, in the complex [Ni(NH3​)4​]Cl2​, the coordination number of the central atom (Ni) is 4. (iv) Coordination polyhedron : Coordination polyhedrons about the central atom can be defined as the spatial arrangement of the ligands that are directly attached to the central metal ion in the coordination sphere.

For example :

Ncert-Sol-cls-12-chp-5-ques-3

(v) Homoleptic complexes : These are those complexes in which the metal ion is bound to only one kind of a donor group. For e.g. [Co(NH3​)6​]3+,[PtCl4​]2− etc. (vi) Heteroleptic complexes : Heteroleptic complexes are those complexes where the central metal ion is bound to more than one type of a donor group. For e.g. [Co(NH3​)4​Cl2​]+,[Co(NH3​)5​Cl]2+

4. What is meant by unidentate, didentate and ambidentate ligands? Give two examples for each. Sol. A ligand may contain one or more unshared pairs of electrons which are called the donor sites of ligands. Now, depending on the number of these donor sites, ligands can be classified as follows : (a) Unidentate ligands : Ligands with only one donor sites are called unidentate ligands. •• For e.g., NH3​,Cl−etc. (b) Didentate ligands : Ligands that have two donor sites are called bidentate ligands. For e.g.,


Ncert-sol-cls-12-ques-4(b)-chp-5

(c) Ambidentate ligands : Ligands that can attach themselves to the central metal atom through two different atoms are called ambidentate ligands. For example :


5. Specify the oxidation numbers of the metals in the following coordination entities: (i) [Co(H2​O)(CN)(en)2​]2+ (ii) [CoBr2​(en)2​]+ (iii) [PtCl4​]2− (iv) K3​[Fe(CN)6​] (v) [Cr(NH3​)3​Cl3​]

Sol.

i) [Co(H2​O)(CN)(en)2​]2+ Let the oxidation number of Co be x. The charge on the complex is +2.

x−1=+2 x=+3

(ii) [PtCl4​]2− Let the oxidation number of Pt be x. The charge on the complex is -2.

[Pt(Cl)4​]2−

↓↓

x+4(−1)=−2 x=+2

(iii)

[Co(Br)2​(en)2​]+

↓↓↓

x+2(−1)+2(0)=+1

or x−2=+1

or x=+3

6. Using IUPAC norms write the formulas for the following :

(i) Tetrahydroxozincate (II)

(ii) Potassium tetrachloridopalladate (II)

(iii) Diamminedichloridoplatinum (II)

(iv) Potassium tetracyanonickelate (II)

(v) Pentaamminenitrito-O-cobalt (III)

(vi) Hexaamminecobalt (III) sulphate

(vii) Potassium tri(oxalato)chromate (III) (

viii) Hexaammineplatinum (IV)

(ix) Tetrabromidocuprate (II)

(x) Pentaamminenitrito-N-cobalt (III)

Sol:

(i)  Zn(OH)4​]2−

(ii) K2​[PdCl4​]

(iii) Pt(NH3​)2​Cl2​]

(iv) K2​[Ni(CN)4​]

(v) Co(ONO)(NH3​)5​]2+

(vi) Co(NH3​)6​]2​(SO4​)3​

(vii) K3​[Cr(C2​O4​)3​]

(viii) Pt(NH3​)6​]4+

(ix) Cu(Br)4​]2−

(x) Co[NO2​](NH3​)5​]2+

7. Using IUPAC norms write the systematic names of the following :

(i) [Co(NH3​)6​]Cl3​

(ii) [Pt(NH3​)2​Cl(NH2​CH3​)]Cl

(iii) [Ti(H2​O)6​]3+

(iv) [Co(NH3​)4​Cl(NO2​)]Cl

(v) [Mn(H2​O)6​]2+

(vi) [NiCl4​]2−

(vii) [Ni(NH3​)6​]Cl2​

(viii) [Co(en)3​]3+

(ix) [Ni(CO)4​]

Sol:
(i) Hexaamminecobalt (III) chloride
(ii) Diamminechlorido (methylamine) platinum (II) chloride
(iii) Hexaaquatitanium (III) ion
(iv) Tetraamminechloridonitrito-N-Cobalt(III) chloride
(v) Hexaaquamanganese (II) ion
(vi) Tetrachloridonickelate (II) ion
(vii) Hexaamminenickel (II) chloride
(viii) Tris (ethane-1, 2-diammine) cobalt (III) ion
(ix) Tetracarbonylnickel (0)

8. List various types of isomerism possible for coordination compounds, giving an example of each

Sol:

Ncert-Sol-Cls-12-Chp-5-Ques-8

(a) Geometrical isomerism : This type of isomerism is common inheteroleptic complexes. It arises due to the different possible geometric arrangements of the ligands. For example :

Cls-12-Ncert-Sol-Chp-5-Ques-8-(a)

(b) Optical isomerism : This type of isomerism arises in chiral molecules. Isomers are mirror images of each other and are non - superimposable.

Ncert-Sol-Clss-12-Chp-5-Ques-8-(b)

(c) Linkage isomerism : This type of isomerism is found in complexes that contain ambidentate ligands. For example :

[Co(NH3​)5​(NO2​)]Cl2​ and [Co(NH3​)5​(ONO)Cl2​

Yellow form Red form

(d) Coordination isomerism : This type of isomerism arises when the ligands are interchanged between cationic and anionic entities of different metal ions present in the complex. For example [Co(NH3​)6​][Cr(CN)6​] and [Cr(NH3​)6​][Co(CN)6​]

(e) Ionization isomerism : This type of isomerism arises when a counter ion replaces a ligand within the coordination sphere. For example [Co(NH3​)5​SO4​]Br and [Co(NH3​)5​Br]SO4​

(f) Solvate isomerism : Solvate isomers differ by whether or not the solvent molecule is directly bonded to the metal ion or merely present as a free solvent molecule in the crystal lattice.

[Cr(H2​O)6​]Cl3​,[Cr(H2​O)5​Cl]Cl2​.H2​O

Violet Blue-green

[Cr(H2​O)4​Cl2​]Cl.2H2​O

Dark green

9. How many geometrical isomers are possible in the following coordination entities ? (i)[Cr(C2​O4​)3​]3− (ii) [Co(NH3​)3​Cl3​]

Sol.

(i) For [Cr(C2​O4​)3​]3−, no geometrical isomer is possible as it is a bidentate ligand.

Ncert-Sol-Cls-12-Ch-5- Ques-9-(1)

(ii) [Co(NH3​)3​Cl3​],Two geometrical isomers are possible.


Class-12-Ncert-sol-chp-5-ques-9-(b)

10. Draw the structure of optical isomers of : (i) [Cr(C2​O4​)3​]3− (ii) [PtCl2​(en)2​]2+ (iii) [Cr(NH3​)2​Cl2​(en)]+ Sol. (i) [Cr(C2​O4​)3​]3−


ques-10-(b)-Ch-5-Class-12-Chemistry-Ncert-Sol

(ii) [PtCl2​(en)2​]2+

(iii) [Cr(NH3​)2​Cl2​( en )]+

11. Draw all the isomers (geometrical and optical) of (i) [CoCl2​(en)2​]+ (ii) [Co(NH3​)Cl(en)2​]2+ (iii) [Co(NH3​)2​Cl2​(en)]+ Ans. (i) [CoCl2​(en)2​]+

Trans [CoCl2​(en)2​]+isomer-optically inactive

(Superimposable mirror images)

Cis [CoCl2​]+isomer-optically active (non-superimposable mirror images)

In total, three isomers are possible.

(ii)[Co(NH3​)Cl(en)2​]2+

Trans - isomers are optically inactive.

Trans - isomers are optically inactive. Cis - isomers are optically active. (iii) [Co(NH3​)2​Cl2​(en)]+

Trans - isomers are optically inactive.

Cis - isomers are optically active.

  1. Write all the geometrical isomers of [Pt(NH3​) (Br)(Cl)(py)] and how many of these will exhibit optical isomers ? Sol. [Pt(NH3​)(Br)(Cl)(py)]
    From the above isomers, none will exhibit optical isomers. Tetrahedral complexes rarely show optical isomerization. They do so only in the presence of unsymmetrical chelating agents.
  2. Aqueous copper sulphate solution (blue in colour) gives : (i) A green precipitate with aqueous potassium fluoride, and (ii) A bright green solution with aqueous potassium chloride Explain these experimental results. Sol. Aqueous CuSO4​ exists as [Cu(H2​O)4​]SO4​. It is blue in colour due to the presence of [Cu(H2​O)4​]2+ ions. (i) When KF is added.

[Cu(H2​O4​)]2++4 F−⟶ (Green) [Cu( F)4​]2+​+4H2​O

(ii) When KCl is added :

[Cu(H2​O4​)]2++4Cl−⟶ (bright green) [CuCl4​]2−​+4H2​O

In both these cases, the weak field ligand water is replaced by the F−and Cl−ions.

14. What is the coordination entity formed when excess of aqueous KCN is added to an aqueous solution of copper sulphate? Why is it that no precipitate of copper sulphide is obtained when H2​ S( g) is passed through this solution? Sol. CuSO4(aq)​+4KCN(aq)​⟶

K2​[Cu(CN)4​](aq)​+K2​SO4(aq)​

i.e.,

[Cu(H2​O)4​]2++4CN−⟶[Cu(CN)4​]2−+4H2​O

Thus, the coordination entity formed in the process is K2​[Cu(CN)4​]. It is a very stable complex, which does not ionize to give Cu2+ ions when added to water. Hence, Cu2+ ions are not precipitated when H2​ S(g)​ is passed through the solution.

15. Discusss the nature of bonding in the following coordination entities on the basis of valence bond theory : (i) [Fe(CN)6​]4− (ii) [FeF6​]3− (iii) [Co(C2​O4​)3​]3− (iv) [CoF6​]3−

Sol.

(i) [Fe(CN)6​]4− Electronic configuration of Fe2+ is 3 d6. Orbitals of Fe2+ ion :

As CN−ion is a strong field ligand, it causes the pairing of the unpaired 3d electrons.
Hence, the geometry of the complex is octahedral and the complex is diamagnetic.

(ii) [FeF6​]3− In this complex, the oxidation state of Fe is +3. Orbitals of Fe+3 ion :

F−is a weak field ligand.
Hence, the geometry of the complex is found to be octahedral.

(iii) [Co(C2​O4​)3​]3− Cobalt exists in the +3 oxidation state in the given complex. Orbitals of Co3+ ion :

In case of Co+3 oxalate ion is a SFL.

Therefore, it cannot cause the pairing of the 3d orbital electrons.

sp3 d2 hybridized orbitals of Co3+. 

 Hybridisation =d2sp3

Geometry = Octahedral

(iv) [CoF6​]3− Cobalt exists in the +3 oxidation state. Orbitals of Co3+ ion :

F−is a weak field ligand.
Hence, the geometry of the complex is octahedral and paramagnetic.

16. Draw figure to show the splitting of d orbitals in an octahedral crystal field. Sol.

17. What is spectrochemical series? Explain the difference between a weak field and a strong field ligand. Sol. A spectrochemical series is the arrangement of common ligands in the increasing order of their crystal - field splitting energy (CFSE) values. The ligands present on the R.H.S of the series are strong field ligands while that on the L.H.S are weak field ligands. Also, strong field ligands cause higher splitting in the d orbitals that weak field ligands.

​I−<Br−<S2−<SCN<Cl−<N3−<OH−<C2​O4​2−<∼H2​O<NCS−<edta 4−<NH3​<en−<CN−<CO​

  1. What is crystal field splitting energy ? How does the magnitude of Δo​ decide the actual configuration of d-orbitals in a coordination entity? Sol. The degenerate d-orbitals (in a spherical field environment) split into two levels i.e., eg​ and t2 g​ in the presence of ligands. The splitting of the degenerate levels due to the presence of ligands is called the crystal - field splitting while the energy difference between the two levels ( eg​ and t2 g​ ) is called the crystal-field splitting energy. It is denoted by Δ0​. After the orbitals have split, the filling of the electrons takes place. After 1 electron (each) has been filled in the three t2 g​ orbitals, the filling of the fourth electron takes place in two ways. It can enter the eg​ orbitals (giving rise to t2 g3​eg1​ like electron configuration) or the pairing of the electrons can take place in the t2 g​ orbitals (giving rise to t2 g4​eg0​ like electronic configuration). If the Δ0​ value of a ligand is less than the pairing energy (P), then the electrons enter the eg​ orbital. On the other hand, if the Δ0​ value of a ligand is more than the pairing energy (P), then the electrons enter the t2 g​ orbital.
  2. [Cr(NH3​)6​]3+ is paramagnetic while [Ni(CN)4​]2− is diamagnetic. Explain why ? Sol. In [Cr(NH3​)6​]3+, Cr is in the +3 oxidation state i.e., d3 configuration. Since there are three unpaired electrons in 3d-orbitals
    Therefore, it undergoes d2sp3 hybridization and the electrons in the 3d orbitals remain unpaired. Hence, it is paramagnetic in nature.

In [Ni(CN)4​]2−Ni exists in the +2 oxidation state i.e., d8 configuration.

CN−is a strong field ligand. It cause the pairing of the 3d orbital electrons. Then, Ni2+ undergoes dsp2 hybridization.
As there are no unpaired electrons, it is diamagnetic.

20. A solution of [Ni(H2​O)6​]2+ is green but a solution of [Ni(CN)4​]2− is colourless. Explain.

Sol. In [Ni(H2​O)6​]2+,H2​O¨ is a weak field ligand. Therefore, there are unpaired elecrons in Ni2+. In this complex, the 3d electrons from the lower energy level can be excited to the higher energy level i.e., the possibility of d-d transition is present. Hence, [Ni(H2​O)6​]2+ is coloured. In [Ni(CN)4​]2− the electrons are all paired as CN−is a strong field ligand. Therefore, d-d transition is not possible is [Ni(CN)4​]2−. Hence, it is colourless.

21. [Fe(CN)6​]4 and [Fe(H2​O)6​]2+ are of different colours in dilute solutions. Why ?

Sol. The colour of a particular coordination compound depends on the magnitude of the crystal-field splitting energy, Δ. This CFSE in turn depends on the nature of the ligand. In case of [Fe(CN)6​]4− and [Fe(H2​O)6​]2+, the colour differs because there is a difference in the CFSE. Now CN−is a strong field ligand having a higher CFSE value of compound to the CFSE value of water. This means that the absorption of energy for the intra d-d transition also differs. Hence the transmitted colour also differs.

  1. Discuss the nature of bonding in metal carbonyls.

Sol. The metal-carbon bonds in metals carbonyls have both σ and π characters. A σ bond is formed when the carbonyl carbon donates a lone pair of electrons to the vacant orbital of the metal. A π bond is formed by the donation of a pair of electrons from the filled metal d orbital into the vacent anti-bonding π orbital (also known as back bonding of the carbonyl group). The σ bond strengthens the π bond and vice-versa. Thus, a synergic effect is created due to this metal - ligand bonding. This synergic effect strengthens the bond between CO and the metal.

Synergic bonding in metal carbonyls

  1. Give the oxidation state, d-orbital occupation and coordination number of the central metal ion in the following complexes : (i) K3​[Co(C2​O4​)3​] (ii) cis- [Cr(en)2​Cl2​]Cl (iii) (NH4​)2​[CoF4​] (iv) [Mn(H2​O)6​]SO4​

Sol.

(i) K3​[Co(C2​O4​)3​] The central metal ion is Co3+. Its coordination number is 6 . The oxidation state can be given as :

x−6=−3

⇒x=+3 The d orbitals occupation for Co3+ is t2 g6​eg0​. (ii) cis- [Cr(en)2​Cl2​]Cl The central metal ion is Cr3+. The coordination number is 6. The oxidation state can be given as :

x+2(0)+2(−1)=+1

⇒x=+3 The d orbitals occupation for Cr3+ is t2 g3​.

(iii) (NH4​)2​[CoF4​] The central metal ion is Co2+. The coordination number is 4 . The oxidation state can be given as :

x−4=−2

⇒x=+2

The d orbitals occupation for Co2+ is eg4t2 g​3.

(iv) [Mn(H2​O)6​]SO4​ The central metal ion is Mn2+. The coordination number is 6 . The oxidation state can be given as :

x+0=+2

⇒x=+2

The d orbitals occupation for Mn2+ is t2 g3​eg2​.

24. Write down the IUPAC name for each of the following complexes and indicate the oxidation state, electronic configuration and coordination number. Also give stereochemistry and magnetic moment of the complex :

(i) K[Cr(H2​O)2​(C2​O4​)2​]⋅3H2​O (ii) [Co(NH3​)5​Cl]Cl2​ (iii) CrCl3​(py)3​ (iv) Cs[FeCl4​] (v) K4​[Mn(CN)6​]

Sol.

(i) K[Cr(H2​O)2​(C2​O4​)2​]⋅3H2​O IUPAC Name : Potassiumdiaquadioxalatochromate (III) trihydrate. Oxidation state of chromium =+3 Electronic configuration : 3 d3 Coordination number =6 Shape : octahedral

Stereochemistry :

Class-12-ch-5-Chemistry-ncert-sol-que-24-(a)

Magnetic moment, μ=n(n+2)​ μ=3(3+2)​ =15​∼4BM

(ii) [Co(NH3​)5​Cl]Cl2​ IUPAC name : Pentaamminechloridocobalt (III) chloride Oxidation state of Co=+3; Coordination number =6 Shape : octahedral ; Electronic configuration : d6:t2 g6​. Stereo chemistry :

Ncrt -Sol-Cl-5-chemistry-Clas-12-ques-24-(b)


Cis optically active Magnetic Moment = 0

(iii)[CrCl3​(py)3​] IUPAC name : Trichloridotripyridinechromium (III) Oxidation state of chromium = +3 ; Electronic configuration for d3:t2 g3​ Coordination number = 6 ; Shape : octahedral. Stereochemistry :

Ch-5-Ncert-sol-chemistry-class-12-ques-24(c)


Both isomers are optically active. Therefore, a total of 4 isomers exist. Magnetic moment, μ=n(n+2)​=3(3+2)​=15​∼4BM

(iv) Cs[FeCl4​] IUPAC name : Caesiumtetrachloroferrate (III) Oxidation state of Fe=+3; Electronic configuration d5:eg2​t2 g3​ Coordination number = 4 ; Shape : tetrahedral Stereochemistry : optically inactive Magnetic moment :

μ=n(n+2)​=5(5+2)​=35​∼6BM

(v) K4​[Mn(CN)6​] IUPAC Name : Potassiumhexacyanomanganate (II) Oxidation state of manganese = +2; Electronic configuration: d5:t2 g5​ Coordination number = 6; Shape : octahedral Stereochemistry : optically inactive Magnetic moment, μ=n(n+2)​

​=1(1+2)​=3​=1.732BM​

  1. What is meant by stability of a coordination compound in solution? State the factors which govern stability of complexes. Sol. The stability of a complex in a solution refers to the degree of association between the two species involved in a state of equilibrium. Stability can be expressed quantitatively in terms of stability constant or formation constant.

​M+3 L⇌ML3​ Stability constant, β=[M][L]3[ML3​]​​

For this reaction, the greater the value of the stability constant, the greater is the proportion of ML3​ in the solution. Stability can be of two types : (a) Thermodynamic stability : The extent to which the complex will be formed or will be transformed into another species at the point of equilibrium is determined by thermodynamic stability. (b) Kinetic stability : This helps is determining the speed with which the transformation will occur to attain the state of equilibrium.

26. What is meant by the chelate effect? Give an example. Sol. When a ligand attaches to the metal ion in a manner that forms a ring, then the metal-ligand association is found to be more stable. In other words, we can say that complex containing chelate rings are more stable than complexes without rings. This is known as the chelate effect. For example :

ques-26-Class-12-Chp-5-chemistry-Ncert-sol


27. Discuss briefly giving an example in each case the role of coordination compounds in : (i) biological system (ii) medicinal chemistry (iii) analytical chemistry (iv) extraction/metallurgy of metals

Sol.

(i) Role of coordination compounds in biological system : We know that photosynthesis is made possible by the presence of the chlorophyll pigment. This pigment is a coordination compound of magnesium. (ii) Role of coordination compounds in medicinal chemistry : Certain coordination compounds of platinum (for example, cis-platin) are used for inhibiting the growth of tumours. (iii) Role of coordination compounds in analytical chemistry : During salt analysis, a number of basic radicals are detected with the help of the colour changes they exhibit with different reagents. (iv) Role of coordination compounds in extraction or metallurgy of metals : From [Au(CN)2​]+solution, gold is extracted by the addition of zinc metal.

28. How many ions are produced from the complex [Co(NH3​)6​]Cl2​ in solution ? (i) 6 (ii) 4 (iii) 3 (iv) 2 Sol. (iii) [Co(NH3​)6​]Cl2​H2​O​[Co(NH3​)6​]2++2Cl− So, total 3 ions are produced.

29. Amongst the following ions which one has the highest magnetic moment value ? (i) [Cr(H2​O6​)]3+ (ii) [Fe(H2​O)6​]2+ (iii) [Zn(H2​O)6​]2+

Sol.

(i) No. of unpaired electrons in [Cr(H2​O6​)]3+=3 Then,

μ=n(n+2)​=3(3+2)​=15​∼4BM

(ii) No. of unpaired electrons in [Fe(H2​O)6​]2+=4 Then, μ=4(4+2)​=24​∼5BM (iii) No. of unpaired electrons in [Zn(H2​O)6​]2+=0 Hence, [Fe(H2​O)6​]2+ has the highest magnetic moment value.

30. The oxidation number of cobalt in K[Co(CO)4​] is (i) +1 (ii) +3 (iii) -1 (iv) -3 Sol. K[Co(CO)4​] 1+x+4(0)=0 x=−1 So, oxidation number of cobalt is -1.

31. Amongst the following, the most stable complex is (i) [Fe(H2​O)6​]3+ (ii) [Fe(NH3​)6​]3+ (iii) [Fe(C2​O4​)3​]3− (iv) [FeCl6​]3− Sol. We know that the stability of a complex increases by chelation. Therefore, the most stable complex is [Fe(C2​O4​)3​]3−.

32. What will be the correct order for the wavelengths of absorption in the visible region for the following: [Ni(NO2​)6​]4−,[Ni(NH3​)6​]2+,[Ni(H2​O)6​]2+ Sol. The central metal ion in all the three complexes is the same. Therefore, absorption in the visible region depends on the ligands. The order in which the CFSE value of the ligands increases in the spectrochemical series is as follows :

H2​O<NH3​<NO2−​

Thus, the amount of crystal-field splitting observed will be in the following order :

Δ0[H2​O]​​<Δ0[NH3​]​​<Δ0[NO2−​]​​

Hence, the wavelengths of absorption in the visible region will be in the order : [Ni(H2​O)6​]2+>[Ni(NH3​)6​]2+>[Ni(NO2​)6​]4−

3.0NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry | Chapter-wise Links

Get chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry with simple explanations of textbook questions, important concepts, formulas, and step-by-step solutions to numerical problems.

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Chapterwise NCERT Solutions

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Chapter 10

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4.0Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5

  • Easy Naming of Coordination Compounds: Learn how to name coordination compounds correctly by identifying the ligands, central metal atom, coordination number, and oxidation state.
  • VBT and CFT Explained Simply: Understand the basic ideas of Valence Bond Theory (VBT) and Crystal Field Theory (CFT) and learn why some coordination compounds are high-spin while others are low-spin.
  • Clear Explanation of Isomerism: Learn about geometrical and optical isomerism in coordination compounds. Understand cis and trans forms as well as facial (fac) and meridional (mer) forms with simple examples.
  • Magnetic Properties: Understand how the number of unpaired electrons determines the magnetic behaviour of coordination compounds. Learn how to calculate magnetic moment using the spin-only formula and express it in Bohr Magnetons (BM).
  • Bonding and Shapes of Complexes: Study the bonding, coordination number, geometry, and shapes of important coordination compounds covered in Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5.
  • Important Terms and Reactions: Revise important concepts such as ligands, coordination entities, coordination number, oxidation state, chelate complexes, and stability of coordination compounds.

Table of Contents


  • 1.0Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds: Key Concepts
  • 2.0NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds) : Detailed Solutions
  • 2.1NTEXT QUESTIONS
  • 2.2NCERT EXERCISE
  • 3.0NCERT Solutions Class 12 Chemistry | Chapter-wise Links
  • 4.0Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5