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Choose the coordination complex from the following that would present the peak of shortest wavelength: [crcl6]3- , [cr(h2o)6]3+, [cr(en)3]3+, [cr(ox)3]3-
Accepted Answer
[Cr(en)3]3+ would exhibit the shortest wavelength peak. Here's why:
Ligand Field Theory: The color of a coordination complex arises from the absorption of light and subsequent excitation of electrons within the d-orbitals of the central metal ion. The energy difference between these d-orbitals is influenced by the nature of the ligands.
Strong Field Ligands: Ethylenediamine (en) is a strong-field ligand. Strong-field ligands cause a larger splitting of the d-orbitals, leading to higher energy transitions and shorter wavelengths of light absorbed (and thus, the color observed is complementary to the absorbed wavelength).
Comparison: The other ligands in the complexes are weaker field ligands (Cl-, H2O, oxalate). This means the d-orbital splitting will be smaller, resulting in lower energy transitions and longer wavelengths of light absorbed.
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