The correct order of the wavelength of light absorbed by the following complexes is,
A. [Co(NH3)6]3+
B. [Co(CN)6]3−
C. [Cu(H2O)4]2+
D. [Ti(H2O)6]3+
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer :
B < A < D < C
Solution :
The correct answer is B < A < D < C.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Relationship between Energy and Wavelength of Light Absorbed:
The energy of light absorbed () by a transition metal complex is related to the wavelength of light absorbed () by the Planck-Einstein relation:
The energy transition corresponds to the crystal field splitting energy (). Therefore, the wavelength of light absorbed is inversely proportional to the crystal field splitting energy:
A larger crystal field splitting energy () results in a shorter wavelength () of absorbed light.
2. Factors Affecting Crystal Field Splitting Energy ():
The magnitude of is determined by:
- Oxidation State of the Metal Ion: Higher oxidation states (e.g., +3 vs +2) result in greater electrostatic attraction, drawing ligands closer and increasing .
- Nature of the Ligands (Spectrochemical Series): Stronger field ligands produce larger splitting. The general order of ligand field strength is: CN- > NH3 > H2O.
3. Analyzing the Given Complexes:
- B. [Co(CN)6]3-: Contains Co3+ and CN- (a strong-field ligand). This complex exhibits the highest crystal field splitting energy due to the +3 metal charge and very strong ligands.
- A. [Co(NH3)6]3+: Contains Co3+ and NH3 (a moderately strong-field ligand). The splitting energy is large, but less than that of the CN- complex.
- D. [Ti(H2O)6]3+: Contains Ti3+ and H2O (a weak-field ligand). The splitting energy is lower than the Co3+ complexes containing stronger ligands.
- C. [Cu(H2O)4]2+: Contains Cu2+ and H2O. Since the metal has a lower oxidation state (+2), the electrostatic interactions are weaker, leading to the smallest crystal field splitting energy among the given complexes.
4. Determining the Order:
Comparing the splitting energies gives:
Taking the inverse to find the order of the wavelengths ():
Thus, the correct order is B < A < D < C.
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