Question

Explain
Geometrical and optical isomerism ​

Answer 1

1) Optical Isomerism

Optical isomers are those two compounds with the same chemical formula such that their mirror images are not superimposable on each other. Depending on the direction they rotate the plane of polarised light in a polarimeter, we have two forms of optical isomers. They are:

Dextro Isomer: This rotates to right.

Laevo Isomer: This rotates to left.

2) Geometric Isomerism

In case of disubstituted complexes, the substituted groups could either be adjacent or opposite to each other. This leads to geometric isomerism. Thus, we can prepare square planar complexes such as [Pt(NH3)4Cl2]  in two forms, cis and trans. When the chlorine atoms are adjacent to each other, we get the cis form. While when two chlorine atoms are opposite, we get the trans-form.