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How are cis and trans isomers of diamminedichloroplatinum arranged differently?

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In coordination compounds, cis-trans (geometric) isomerism refers to the different spatial arrangements of ligands around a central metal atom. For the compound diamminedichloroplatinum, the isomers are distinguished as follows:

  • Cis isomer: The two ammonia molecules and the two chlorine atoms are situated next to one another.1
  • Trans isomer: The identical ligands are positioned across from one another.1

These terms derive from Latin, with cis meaning "on this side" and trans meaning "on the other side".1