[CoCl2(NH3)4]+ + Cl- [CoCl3(NH3)3] + NH3. If in this reaction two isomers of the product are obtaine — Coordination Compounds Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Square pyramidal geometry corresponds to sp3d (specifically d_x^2-y^2 sp3) hybridization where five orbitals point towards the vertices of a square pyramid. Step 2: The four basal ligands lie in the xy-plane, pointing directly along the x and y axes, meaning the d-orbital with lobes lying along the axes (d_x^2-y^2) is involved in hybridization. Step 3: Therefore, the d_x^2-y^2 orbital is involved in forming the square planar base of the pyramid, matching option (a).