Explain why transition metal compounds are often coloured in solution.

The valence electrons of transition metals are found in d-orbitals. When the metal ion forms a complex with ligands the d-orbitals split into two different energy levels, and the gap between these levels happens to correspond with that of visible light.

This means that when the electrons in the lower level are promoted to the higher level part of the visible spectrum is absorbed - leading to the reflected light being coloured.

PD
Answered by Patrick D. Chemistry tutor

10659 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

When propanal is reacted with potassium cyanide under weakly acidic conditions the resulting mixture does not rotate plane polarised light. Explain this observation.


What is the geometry of a ClF3 molecule? (AQA Unit 1 2015 1d)


Bethan prepared some ethoxyethane (line 6) by reacting ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid. She used 69g of ethanol (Mr=46) and obtained a 45% yield of ethoxyethane (Mr=74). Calculate the mass of ethoxyethane obtained.


Give the reagents required for the nitration of toluene (methylbenzene) to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and provide a mechanism.


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