Isomerism
Complex ions exhibit geometric isomerism and optical isomerism. Cis-Trans isomerism occurs if there are two different types of ligand e.g. [Pt(NH3)2Cl2] is a square planar molecule that has both cis- and trans- forms. Geometric isomerism also occurs in octahedral complexes if there are two types of ligands or 2 bidentate ligands with 2 monodentate ligands.

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Key terms in this lesson
- bidentate ligand
- A ligand that can form two co-ordinate bonds to a central metal ion.
More in Transition Metals
- Transition Metals
- Properties of Transition Metals
- Complex Ions
- Shapes of complex ions
- Formation of Coloured Ions
- Spectroscopy
- Ligand Substitution Reactions
- Vanadium
All 21 lessons in Transition Metals · All Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics