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CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds Worksheet with Answers

Coordination Compounds is a high-weightage chapter in CBSE Class 12 Chemistry, typically carrying 5-6 marks in the board exam. This printable worksheet with answers is designed to help you master nomenclature, isomerism, Crystal Field Theory, and applications through structured practice. Each question is aligned with NCERT Class 12 Chemistry terminology and the latest CBSE pattern, ensuring you build confidence for term exams and board finals.

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Key takeaways

  • Printable 90-minute worksheet covering all NCERT topics from Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds including nomenclature, isomerism, and CFT applications.
  • 50+ questions across MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, short-answer, long-answer, and one case-study question with complete answer key and explanations.
  • Aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus 2025, this worksheet tests concepts from IUPAC naming conventions to magnetic properties and crystal field splitting.
  • Nomenclature questions cover ligand naming, oxidation states, and counter ions following NCERT conventions and IUPAC rules exactly as in board exams.
  • Isomerism section includes geometrical, optical, linkage, coordination, and ionisation isomers with structural representation practice.
  • Crystal Field Theory questions test understanding of splitting patterns, CFSE calculations, and colour-magnetism relationship in transition metal complexes.
  • Complete answer key with brief explanations helps students self-assess and identify weak areas for targeted revision before board exams.

Quick Chapter Recap: Coordination Compounds

Before you attempt the worksheet, refresh these core concepts from NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5. A coordination compound consists of a central metal atom or ion bonded to ligands through coordinate bonds. The coordination sphere, written in square brackets, contains the metal and directly bonded ligands. Werner's theory introduced primary (ionisable) and secondary (non-ionisable) valencies. Coordination number is the total number of ligand donor atoms attached to the central metal. IUPAC nomenclature rules require naming ligands alphabetically (ignoring numerical prefixes), followed by the metal with its oxidation state in Roman numerals. For anionic complexes, the metal name ends in '-ate'. Common ligands include NH₃ (ammine), H₂O (aqua), Cl⁻ (chlorido), CN⁻ (cyanido), and C₂O₄²⁻ (oxalato). Isomerism types include geometrical (cis-trans, fac-mer), optical, linkage, coordination, ionisation, and hydrate isomers. Crystal Field Theory explains colour and magnetic properties through d-orbital splitting in octahedral, tetrahedral, and square planar geometries. High-spin and low-spin complexes depend on the magnitude of crystal field splitting energy (Δ₀) versus pairing energy.
  • Werner's coordination theory: primary and secondary valencies, coordination number
  • IUPAC nomenclature: ligands in alphabetical order, metal oxidation state, '-ate' suffix for anionic complexes
  • Common ligands: mono-, bi-, and polydentate; ambidentate ligands like NO₂⁻ and SCN⁻
  • Isomerism: geometrical (cis-trans, fac-mer), optical, linkage, coordination, ionisation
  • Crystal Field Theory (CFT): d-orbital splitting in octahedral, tetrahedral, square planar fields
  • CFSE, high-spin vs low-spin, colour and magnetic moment calculations
  • Applications: electroplating, qualitative analysis, biological systems (haemoglobin, chlorophyll, vitamin B₁₂)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

This section contains 8 multiple-choice questions covering nomenclature, isomerism, and CFT applications. Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the most appropriate answer. These MCQs mirror the pattern seen in CBSE Class 12 board exams and are based on NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 concepts. Pay close attention to IUPAC naming conventions, oxidation state calculations, and coordination number determination. For CFT-based questions, recall the magnitude of splitting in different geometries and the relationship between colour, magnetic properties, and electronic configuration.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following 6 statements by filling in the blanks with appropriate terms, formulae, or values. Each blank carries 1 mark. These questions test your recall of key terminology from NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5, including ligand types, oxidation states, isomerism, and CFT concepts. Write your answers precisely as per IUPAC conventions and NCERT terminology. For numerical blanks involving coordination number or oxidation state, ensure accuracy in calculation. For ligand names, use the correct prefix (ammine, aqua, chlorido, etc.) as per IUPAC rules taught in your Class 12 Chemistry notes.

Section C: Match the Following

Match the items in Column A with the most appropriate items in Column B. Each correct match carries 1 mark. This section tests your ability to correlate ligands with their donor atoms, complexes with their geometries, isomerism types with examples, and CFT concepts with applications. Use your Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 notes and NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook knowledge to make accurate matches. Write your answers as A-1, B-2, etc. in your answer sheet. Understanding these correlations is crucial for scoring well in the CBSE 12 Chemistry board exam.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

Answer the following 5 short-answer questions in 40-60 words each. Each question carries 2-3 marks as indicated. These questions require you to explain concepts, write formulae, draw structures, or perform short calculations. Refer to NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 for standard definitions and explanations. Use correct chemical nomenclature and show all steps in calculations. Questions on nomenclature should follow IUPAC rules exactly. For isomerism, draw clear structures showing spatial arrangement. For CFT, explain the splitting pattern and relate it to properties like colour and magnetism. Quality answers fetch full marks in CBSE board exams.

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 marks each)

Answer the following 3 questions in detail. Each question carries 5 marks and requires comprehensive explanations, multiple steps, or application of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). These questions are designed to test your in-depth understanding of Coordination Compounds as per NCERT Class 12 Chemistry. For Crystal Field Theory questions, draw splitting diagrams, calculate CFSE, and explain the relationship between electronic configuration, geometry, and magnetic/colour properties. For nomenclature and isomerism, provide multiple examples with structures. For application-based questions, connect theory to real-world chemistry. Well-structured answers with proper reasoning and diagrams earn full marks in CBSE Class 12 board exams.

Section F: Case-Study Question

Read the following case study carefully and answer the questions that follow. This question carries 4 marks and tests your ability to apply Coordination Compounds concepts to a practical or research context. Case-based questions are increasingly common in CBSE Class 12 board exams and require you to analyse information, make connections between theory and application, and solve problems using your Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 knowledge. Draw on your understanding of nomenclature, isomerism, CFT, and applications in biological and industrial systems. Write clear, concise answers referring to the case data provided.

Answer Key with Explanations

Below is the complete answer key for all sections of this CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds worksheet. Each answer includes a brief explanation to help you understand the concept and verify your approach. Cross-check your answers carefully. If you scored less than 70%, revisit the NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook and your Class 12 Chemistry notes. For topics where you made errors, practice additional questions from NCERT exemplar or reference books. Understanding mistakes is the fastest path to mastery, especially for a high-weightage chapter like Coordination Compounds that consistently appears in board exams.
  • Section A (MCQs): 8 marks total — 1 mark per question
  • Section B (Fill in the blanks): 6-8 marks total — 1 mark per blank
  • Section C (Match the following): 6 marks total — 1 mark per match
  • Section D (Short answer): 12-13 marks total — 2-3 marks per question
  • Section E (Long answer): 15 marks total — 5 marks per question
  • Section F (Case study): 4 marks total
  • Total worksheet: approximately 50-54 marks; excellent practice for board exam preparation

How to Use This Worksheet Effectively

Print this worksheet and attempt it in exam conditions: 90 minutes, closed book, on blank paper. Do not refer to your NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook or Class 12 Chemistry notes until you have completed all sections. After finishing, spend 30 minutes reviewing your answers against the answer key provided. Mark each question right or wrong and calculate your score section-wise. Identify patterns: are you weak in nomenclature, isomerism, or CFT calculations? For topics where you scored below 60%, revisit the relevant NCERT pages and make fresh notes. Reattempt those questions after 2-3 days without looking at your previous answers. This spaced repetition strengthens long-term retention. Use this worksheet as a diagnostic tool, not a one-time test. Regular practice with such worksheets builds speed and accuracy, both critical for the 3-hour CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam.
  • Attempt in timed conditions (90 minutes) to simulate board exam pressure and build speed
  • Self-check using the answer key; calculate section-wise scores to identify weak areas
  • Revisit NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5 for concepts where you lost marks
  • Reattempt incorrect questions after 2-3 days for spaced repetition and deeper understanding
  • Practice drawing isomer structures and CFT splitting diagrams neatly for scoring full marks in descriptive questions
  • Focus on IUPAC nomenclature rules — small errors in ligand order or suffix cost marks in board exams
  • Use this worksheet weekly during revision phase; track improvement over time to build confidence

Common Mistakes Students Make in Coordination Compounds

Every year, CBSE Class 12 students lose marks in Coordination Compounds due to avoidable errors. In nomenclature, forgetting to arrange ligands alphabetically (ignoring prefixes di-, tri-) is frequent. Writing 'chloro' instead of 'chlorido' for anionic ligands, or missing the '-ate' suffix for anionic complexes costs marks. In isomerism questions, students confuse ionisation and coordination isomerism, or fail to draw clear spatial structures for geometrical isomers. For Crystal Field Theory, common errors include wrong electron filling (violating Hund's rule or Aufbau principle), incorrect CFSE sign, and mixing up Δ₀ and Δₜ magnitudes. Magnetic moment calculations often show wrong 'n' (number of unpaired electrons) because students forget that strong-field ligands cause pairing. In case-study questions, students write generic answers instead of referencing the case data. Avoid these pitfalls by practising NCERT exemplar problems, writing formulae and structures repeatedly, and double-checking ligand names and oxidation states in every answer.
  • Nomenclature: ligands not in alphabetical order; using 'chloro' instead of 'chlorido'; missing '-ate' suffix
  • Oxidation state calculation: arithmetic errors or ignoring ligand charges (neutral vs anionic)
  • Isomerism: confusing types (ionisation vs coordination, cis-trans vs optical); incomplete structure diagrams
  • CFT splitting: wrong filling order, sign errors in CFSE, confusing high-spin and low-spin configurations
  • Magnetic moment: incorrect 'n' value, forgetting pairing in strong-field ligands, wrong formula μ = √(n(n+2))
  • Case-study answers: writing textbook definitions instead of applying data from the passage
  • Diagram neatness: unclear or missing labels on isomer structures and splitting diagrams cost presentation marks

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  • Chapter-wise tests and worksheets for Coordination Compounds and all CBSE Chemistry topics
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Additional Practice Resources for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 5

After completing this worksheet, supplement your preparation with these trusted resources. The NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook remains your primary reference; read Chapter 5 thoroughly and solve all in-text and end-of-chapter questions. The NCERT Exemplar for Class 12 Chemistry offers advanced MCQs and HOTS questions ideal for board exam readiness. Previous years' CBSE board question papers (2015-2024) reveal recurring question patterns in Coordination Compounds — typically one 2-mark nomenclature question, one 3-mark isomerism or CFT question, and sometimes a 5-mark combined theory question. CBSE sample papers released by the board in October each year are gold standard practice. For concept clarity, watch recorded lectures on DIKSHA or refer to NCERT solutions curated by experienced educators. Join online study groups or forums where you can discuss tricky problems with peers. Consistent, varied practice across these resources ensures you are fully prepared for any question format CBSE throws at you in the final exam.
  • NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook Chapter 5: solve all in-text, end-of-chapter, and additional exercises
  • NCERT Exemplar: advanced MCQs and HOTS questions for deeper conceptual understanding
  • CBSE previous years' board papers (2015-2024): identify recurring patterns and mark distribution
  • CBSE sample papers (released annually in October): best predictor of current year question format
  • DIKSHA platform: video lectures and interactive content aligned with NCERT syllabus
  • Online study groups and forums: discuss difficult isomerism or CFT problems with peers
  • Reference books like OP Tandon or MS Chouhan for additional numerical and structural practice

Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Coordination Compounds carry in the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam?+
Coordination Compounds typically carries 5-6 marks in the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry board exam. Expect one 2-3 mark question on nomenclature or isomerism and one 3-5 mark question on Crystal Field Theory, magnetic properties, or applications. Occasionally a case-study MCQ set also appears.
What is the correct order for writing ligands in IUPAC nomenclature?+
Ligands are named in alphabetical order of their names, ignoring numerical prefixes like di-, tri-, tetra-. For example, in [Co(NH₃)₄Cl₂]⁺, 'ammine' comes before 'chlorido'. Anionic ligands end in '-o' (chlorido, cyanido), neutral ligands keep their name (ammine, aqua), and the metal follows with oxidation state in Roman numerals.
How do I remember the difference between ionisation and coordination isomerism?+
Ionisation isomerism: ions inside and outside the coordination sphere exchange (e.g. [Co(NH₃)₅Br]SO₄ vs [Co(NH₃)₅SO₄]Br). Coordination isomerism: ligands redistribute between two different metal centres in the same compound. Draw the structures and note which ion is ionisable to distinguish them quickly.
Why are most tetrahedral complexes high-spin?+
Tetrahedral crystal field splitting (Δₜ) is much smaller than octahedral splitting (Δₜ = 4/9 Δ₀). Since Δₜ is usually less than the pairing energy, electrons occupy higher energy orbitals before pairing, resulting in high-spin configurations with maximum unpaired electrons.
How is CFSE calculated for octahedral complexes?+
CFSE = [(-0.4 × number of electrons in t₂g) + (0.6 × number of electrons in e_g)] × Δ₀. For low-spin complexes, add pairing energy P for each pair beyond the ground state. For example, d⁶ low-spin: t₂g⁶ e_g⁰ gives CFSE = -2.4Δ₀ + 2P.
What is the difference between a double salt and a coordination compound?+
A double salt (e.g. Mohr's salt, FeSO₄·(NH₄)₂SO₄·6H₂O) dissociates completely into simple ions in solution. A coordination compound (e.g. [Cu(NH₃)₄]SO₄) retains the coordination sphere [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ in solution, showing distinct properties like colour and stability not present in its constituent ions.
Whichligands cause low-spin complexes in octahedral fields?+
Strong-field ligands like CN⁻, CO, NO₂⁻, and en cause large crystal field splitting (Δ₀ > pairing energy), leading to electron pairing in t₂g orbitals and low-spin, often diamagnetic complexes. Weak-field ligands like F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻ produce high-spin complexes.
How much time should I spend on this Coordination Compounds worksheet?+
Aim for 90 minutes in one sitting under exam conditions. Allocate 20 minutes for MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks, 25 minutes for short answers, 30 minutes for long answers, 10 minutes for the case study, and 5 minutes for review. Regular timed practice builds speed and confidence for board exams.
Can geometrical isomerism occur in tetrahedral complexes?+
No, tetrahedral complexes like [MA₂B₂] do not show geometrical isomerism because all positions are adjacent (no opposite corners). Square planar and octahedral geometries permit cis-trans and fac-mer isomerism respectively due to different spatial arrangements of ligands.
What are the most important topics in Chapter 5 for scoring full marks?+
Focus on IUPAC nomenclature (rules and exceptions), types of isomerism (especially geometrical and optical with diagrams), Crystal Field Theory (splitting diagrams, CFSE calculations, colour and magnetic moment), and applications (biological significance of coordination compounds). Practise writing clean structures and balanced equations for full marks.

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