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GATE 2023 CY – Question 22

Inorganic Chemistry · Transition Metals: Coordination chemistry – structure and isomerism, theories of bonding (VBT, CFT, and MOT). Metal-metal multiple bonds. Energy level diagrams in various crystal fields, CFSE, applications of CFT, Jahn-Teller distortion. Electronic spectra of transition metal complexes: spectroscopic term symbols, selection rules, Orgel and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams, nephelauxetic effect and Racah parameter, charge-transfer spectra. Magnetic properties of transition metal complexes. Ray-Dutt and Bailar twists, Reaction mechanisms: kinetic and thermodynamic stability, associative, dissociative substitution and redox reactions. · 1 mark · Multiple choice

For conversion of $[Pt(L)Cl_3]^-$ to trans-$[Pt(L)Cl_2(H_2O)]$, the trans-effect is LEAST when ligand L is ______.

  1. $H_2O$
  2. $NH_3$
  3. DMSO
  4. $C_2H_4$

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Correct answer: (A) $H_2O$

Explanation

The trans-effect is kinetic labilization of the ligand opposite L. Strong π-acceptors and soft donors such as ethylene and S-boundDMSO have larger effects than water; NH3 also exceeds water in the usual series.

Therefore **H2O, A** gives the least trans-directed substitution tendency.