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

55090 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name and Outline a mechanism for the formation of methylpropanoate from methanol and propanoyl chloride.


What are the redox reactions involving carbonyls?


Explain why Phenol is more reactive than Benzene with bromine water.


State and explain the evidence for the delocalisation of electrons in benzene (6 marks)


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