The correct increasing order of trans-effect of the following species is
- NH3 > CN- > Br- > C6H5-
- CN- > C6H5- > Br- > NH3
- Br- > CN- > NH3 > C6H5-
- CN- > Br- > C6H5- > NH3
Answer
(2) CN- > C6H5- > Br- > NH3
Solution
Trans-effect is the ability of a ligand to labilise (direct substitution at) the position trans to itself in square planar complexes.
Strong π-acceptors (CN-) show the largest trans-effect, followed by strong σ-donors (C6H5-); halides are weaker, and NH3 is among the weakest.
Trans-effect series: CN- > C6H5- > Br- > NH3
i.e. in increasing order: NH3 < Br- < C6H5- < CN-
Answer: (2)