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A solution if the coordination complex Na2[Co(SCN)4] has a deep blue colour. the colour is a consequence of?
Accepted Answer
The deep blue color of the coordination complex Na2[Co(SCN)4] is due to d-d electronic transitions within the cobalt(II) ion (Co²⁺). Here's why:
Cobalt(II) ion: Co²⁺ has 3d⁷ electronic configuration. In a tetrahedral complex like Na2[Co(SCN)4], the d orbitals split into two energy levels: a lower energy set (t2g) and a higher energy set (eg).
Ligand Field Theory: The SCN⁻ ligands interact with the d orbitals of the cobalt(II) ion, causing this splitting.
Electronic Transitions: When visible light shines on the complex, electrons in the lower energy t2g orbitals absorb energy and get excited to the higher energy eg orbitals. The specific wavelengths of light absorbed correspond to the energy difference between the two sets of d orbitals. The color we see is the complementary color of the absorbed wavelengths. In this case, the complex absorbs wavelengths in the orange-red region, resulting in a deep blue color.
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