Draw [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and explain why is it blue in colour.

[Cu(H2O)6]2+ is and octahedral shaped complex which I shall draw on the whiteboard.

It is blue for thw following reasons:

When the water ligands bond to the Cu2+ ion, it causes the d orbitals to split into 2 sets at different energy levels. Electrons in the lower energy d-orbitals absorb red light to promote the electrons to a higher energy d-orbital. This means blue light will be reflected and hence the colour of the complex is blue.

AJ
Answered by Amaya J. Chemistry tutor

57211 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

i)Explain why first ionisation energy shows a general tendency to increase across a period? ii)Using period 3 as an example, which elements show irregularities in this trend and why?


Why do the atomic radii of the elements decrease across a period?


Explain the geometry and bond angles in a NH3 molecule


What are the special properties of graphite and diamond- why are they different.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning