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Choose the coordination complex from below that would present with the peak of shortest wavelength. [1 mark] [crcl6]3- [cr(h2o)6]3+ [cr(en)3]3+ [cr(ox)3]3-
Accepted Answer
The coordination complex with the shortest wavelength peak is [Cr(en)3]3+. Here's why:
Ligand Field Theory: The color of a coordination complex arises from the absorption of light energy, causing an electron transition within the d-orbitals of the central metal ion. The energy difference between these d-orbitals is influenced by the nature of the ligands surrounding the metal ion.
Strong-Field Ligands: Ethylenediamine (en) is a strong-field ligand. Strong-field ligands cause a larger splitting of the d-orbitals, resulting in a higher energy difference and thus, a shorter wavelength of light absorbed.
Spectrochemical Series: The spectrochemical series ranks ligands from weak-field to strong-field based on their ability to split d-orbitals. en is a stronger field ligand than water (H2O), chloride (Cl-), or oxalate (ox). Therefore, [Cr(en)3]3+ will absorb the highest energy (shortest wavelength) light.
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