What is the color of the complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+? (2023) 2023

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Question: What is the color of the complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+? (2023) 2023

Options:

Correct Answer: Blue

Exam Year: 2023

Solution:

[Cu(H2O)6]2+ is typically blue due to the d-d transitions of the copper ion in an octahedral field.

What is the color of the complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+? (2023) 2023

What is the color of the complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+? (2023) 2023

Step 1: Identify the complex ion, which is [Cu(H2O)6]2+. This means it has a copper ion (Cu) surrounded by six water molecules (H2O).
Step 2: Understand that the copper ion (Cu2+) has unpaired electrons in its d-orbitals.
Step 3: Recognize that when light hits the complex, some wavelengths of light are absorbed due to electronic transitions (d-d transitions) in the copper ion.
Step 4: Determine that the specific wavelengths of light absorbed correspond to certain colors, and the remaining light that is not absorbed gives the complex its color.
Step 5: Conclude that [Cu(H2O)6]2+ absorbs light in the red region of the spectrum, which means it appears blue to our eyes.

Coordination Chemistry – Understanding the color of transition metal complexes based on their electronic structure and ligand field theory.
d-d Transitions – The concept of d-d electronic transitions in transition metals that result in color due to the absorption of specific wavelengths of light.
Octahedral Complexes – The geometry of the complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and how it influences the electronic transitions and resulting color.