The complex exists as two geometrical isomers, cis and trans. Which of the following statements about these isomers is correct?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The cis isomer (cisplatin) is clinically active as an anticancer drug

  1. Step 1: The platinum(II) complex has a square planar geometry ().
  2. Step 2: In the cis isomer, the two chloride ligands are adjacent ( apart), enabling cross-linking of adjacent purine bases in cellular DNA.
  3. Step 3: Therefore, cis- (cisplatin) functions as a potent chemotherapeutic agent against testicular and ovarian cancers, whereas transplatin is clinically inactive.
Answer
The cis isomer (cisplatin) is clinically active as an anticancer drug.
Why not the others: Both isomers have zero dipole moment is false because the cis isomer has a net dipole moment; Both isomers exhibit optical activity is false because square planar complexes lie in a plane of symmetry; The trans isomer is tetrahedral is incorrect because forms square planar complexes.

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