Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 15
Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug.
Which structure represents a stereoisomer of cisplatin?
A
H₃N—Pt—Cl
Cl
H₃N
B
H₂N—Pt—Cl
Cl
H₂N
C
H₃N—Pt—NH₂
Cl
Cl
D
H₂N—... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
Which structure represents a stereoisomer of cisplatin?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To identify the correct stereoisomer of cisplatin among the options provided (A, B, C, D), we first need to understand the structural requirements for stereoisomerism.
Cisplatin has two ammonia (NH₃) ligands and two chloride (Cl) ligands that can occupy the coordination sites of the platinum atom (Pt). For stereoisomerism to occur, the ligands must be arranged in different spatial configurations.
Analyze Structures:
Structure A: NH₃ ligands are on opposite sides of Pt with two Cl ligands adjacent, indicating it's a trans isomer.
Structure B: Similar to A, but the NH₂ indicates a different configuration.
Structure C: The NH₃ and NH₂ are arranged differently compared to the cis configuration, thus showing possible isomerism.
Structure D: Similar to C but arranged in a trans format.
Determine Correct Answer: Among the provided options, only Structure B demonstrates a distinct stereoisomer of cisplatin as it has a unique arrangement of ligands. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.