Chemistry Transition Elements PMC 2021
PMDC Verified Question 39 of 68
\( [PtCl(H_{2}O)_{3}(NH_{3})_{2}] \) has structure
A
Octahedral
B
Tetrahedral
C
Trigonal pyramidal
D
Linear
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: Octahedral
Concept:

The geometric structure of a complex is determined by its coordination number (the total number of ligands attached to the central metal).

Solution:

  • Analyze the formula: \( [PtCl(H_{2}O)_{3}(NH_{3})_{2}] \)


  • Count the ligands (all of which are monodentate):
    1 \(Cl^-\)
    3 \(H_2O\)
    2 \(NH_3\)


  • Total coordination number = \(1 + 3 + 2 = 6\).


  • A coordination number of 6 corresponds to \(d^2sp^3\) or \(sp^3d^2\) hybridization, both of which invariably form an Octahedral geometry.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Tetrahedral: Requires a coordination number of 4.


  • Linear: Requires a coordination number of 2.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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