Geometric Isomerism in Octahedral Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reaction of Trans -Dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) Chloride

The synthesis of the coordination complex trans-dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) chloride is a classic experiment and can provide an opportunity for inclusion of diverse concepts if additional activities are incorporated. This laboratory experiment outlines the use of modern instrumentation such as UV-Vis spectrophotometer for thermal ligand substitution monitoring, and the magnetic susceptibility balance for confirmation of the electron configuration of the cobalt(III) center in trans-dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) chloride.