Question

Give the formula of the compound: Nitrito — N-pentaamminecobalt(III) nitrate

Answer 1

[Co(NH3)5(NO2)]2+ and [Co(NH3)5(ONO)]2+ provided an early example of linkage isomerism. This nitritopentaamminecobalt(III) isomer converts to the more stable nitro form at room temperature.[2] The two isomers can be distinguished by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Absorbance maxima for the nitro isomer occur at 457.5, 325, and 239 nm. The nitrito has maxima at 486, 330, and 220 nm.[3] Their IR spectra also differ. The nitrito isomer absorbs at 1460 and 1065 cm−1. The nitro isomer absorbs at 1430 and 825 cm−1.[4]