The color of transition metal complexes is primarily attributable to which electronic phenomenon?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. electronic transitions between split -orbital sets
- Step 1: In the presence of ligands, degenerate -orbitals of the transition metal ion split into subsets with an energy difference .
- Step 2: When visible light shines on the complex, electrons absorb a specific wavelength corresponding to to promote from lower () to higher () orbitals.
- Step 3: The transmitted or reflected light contains the complementary color, giving the complex its characteristic observed hue through transitions.
Answer
electronic transitions between split -orbital sets.
Why not the others: Nuclear quadrupole transitions occur in radiofrequency spectroscopy, not visible light; Inter-shell transitions require ultraviolet radiation; Vibrational excitation of solvent molecules occurs in the infrared region.
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