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An experiment has been developed for students of inorganic chemistry. In it they undertake synthesis of (RuCl(sub.2)(dppb)(PPH(sub.3))) and identification of the cis- and trans-(RuCl(sub.2)(dppb)(phen)) geometrical isomers using (super.31)P((super.1)H) NMR spectroscopy. All materials are commercially available and used as received. Students learn about setting up semirigorous inert atmosphere conditions and about spin-spin coupling for P atoms by assigning signals to equivalent and nonequivalent atoms.

A cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiment has been developed for students of inorganic chemistry. In this electrochemical experiment they monitor the isomerization of trans- to cis-(RuCl(sub.2)(dppb)(phen)). Students would have completed a lecture series on basic coordination chemistry and associated electrochemical techniques. They would have an understanding of linear sweep voltammetry at solid electrodes. CV theory need not have been extensively covered.

Presents an undergraduate inorganic chemistry experiment that demonstrates the ability of [super 31]P{[super 1]H} nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to distinguish between cis and trans geometric isomers of coordination compounds in solution. Description of concept of spin-spin coupling for phosphorus atoms.