Question

Why do the transition metal ions exhibit characteristic colours in aqueous solution. Explain giving examples.

Answer 1

Colour property of transition metal ions in aqueous solution is due to the presence of unpaired d-electrons. These unpaired d-electrons from a lower energy level of a metal ion in a complex is excited to a higher energy d-orbital of the same n value. The energy of excitation corresponds to the frequency of light absorbed and this frequency lies in visible region. The colour observed corresponds to the complementary colour of light obsorbed. The frequency of light absorbed is determined by the nature of the ligand. In aqueous solutions water molecules are ligands the colour of the ions observed are listed in the following table.