Why are transition metal complexes generally colored in aqueous solution? (Hard)
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. d-d electronic transitions in crystal field split d-orbitals
- Step 1: Surrounding ligands split degenerate d-orbitals into lower t2g and higher eg energy levels (crystal field splitting Delta). Step 2. Absorption of visible light promotes an electron between these split d-levels (d-d transition), transmitting the complementary color. Answer: d-d electronic transitions in crystal field split d-orbitals. Why not the others: Charge transfer occurs in select cases like MnO4- but is not the general d-d mechanism; s-p transitions absorb high-energy UV; gamma emission is nuclear.
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