Why are complex ions containing transition elements coloured?

Firstly a transition element is an element which forms one or more stable ions with incompletely filled d orbitals.Ligands are charged or neutral, ions or molecules, which form coordination bonds with a central metal ion to form a complex. When ligands are bonded to a central transition metal ion, the d-orbital is split into two sets.One set is at a higher energy level than the other.Because this is a transition metal, the split d-orbital is not completely filled.Therefore there is space for an electron to transition to the higher energy level. The complex will absorb certain wavelengths from the visible region of the spectrum.The energy absorbed from photons of these wavelengths provides the energy for an electron to be promoted. The colour we see, is the wavelengths of white light that are not absorbed by the complex.

Answered by Josephine R. Chemistry tutor

7060 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a buffer solution resists the pH change when an acid or alkali is added.


What happens upon the addition of NaOH solution (OH- ions) to a pink solution of cobalt chloride? Include equation(s) in your answer.


How will a catalyst affect the position of equilibrium?


why does silicon dioxide have such a high melting/boiling point?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences