Why do transition elements form coloured compounds?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Most of the compounds of transition elements are coloured. This can be explained by $d-d$ transition.
In the presence of combining molecules or anions called ligands,the $d$-orbital loses its degeneracy and splits into two sets of orbitals,typically $e_g$ $(d_{x^2-y^2}, d_{z^2})$ and $t_{2g}$ $(d_{xy}, d_{yz}, d_{xz})$,depending upon the geometry of the complex.
These sets of orbitals have different energies after splitting. When an electron from a lower energy $d$-orbital is excited to a higher energy $d$-orbital,the energy of excitation corresponds to the frequency of light absorbed from the visible region,resulting in the complementary colour being observed.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The increasing order of the crystal field splitting power of some common ligands is

Match List-$I$ with List-$II$. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
| List-$I$ (Complex ion) | List-$II$ (Electronic Configuration) |
| :--- | :--- |
| $A. [Cr(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$ | $I. t_{2g}^2 e_g^0$ |
| $B. [Fe(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$ | $II. t_{2g}^3 e_g^0$ |
| $C. [Ni(H_2O)_6]^{2+}$ | $III. t_{2g}^3 e_g^2$ |
| $D. [V(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$ | $IV. t_{2g}^6 e_g^2$ |

The $\Delta_0$ of a coordination complex of a metal ion $(3d^1)$ is $1000 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$. If the energy of $t_{2g}$ orbitals is $-400 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$,the energy (in $kJ \ mol^{-1}$) of $e_g$ orbitals is

Among the following complexes,the one which shows zero crystal field stabilization energy $(CFSE)$ is

The correct order of energy of absorption for the following metal complexes is
$A: [Ni(en)_3]^{2+}, B: [Ni(NH_3)_6]^{2+}, C: [Ni(H_2O)_6]^{2+}$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo