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

58841 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the acid dissociation constant, Ka of the 0.150 mol dm–3 solution of weak acid HA with pH of 2.34?


Why do Copper and Chromium only have 1 electron in their S orbitals?


Describe the 3 types of isomers?


Describe how you could distinguish between ethanol, ethanoic acid, ethyl bromide and 2-methylpropan-1-ol.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning