The colour of transition metal complexes is generally due to d-d electronic transitions. For this to occur, the metal ion must possess an incomplete d-subshell (d1 to d9) containing unpaired electrons. Ions with empty (d0) or fully filled (d10) d-orbitals do not exhibit d-d transitions and are typically colourless.
Let's analyze the oxidation state and electronic configuration of the metal in each species:
- TiF62−: Titanium (Z=22, [Ar]3d24s2). Oxidation state: x+6(−1)=−2⇒x=+4. Configuration of Ti4+ is [Ar]3d0. Since it has no d-electrons (d0), it is colourless .
- Cu2Cl2: Copper (Z=29, [Ar]3d104s1). This is copper(I) chloride. Oxidation state: 2x+2(−1)=0⇒x=+1. Configuration of Cu+ is [Ar]3d10. Since the d-subshell is fully filled (d10), d-d transitions are not possible, making it colourless .
- CoF63−: Cobalt (Z=27). Oxidation state is +3. Configuration of Co3+ is 3d6. It has unpaired electrons and is coloured.
- NiCl42−: Nickel (Z=28). Oxidation state is +2. Configuration of Ni2+ is 3d8. It has unpaired electrons and is coloured.
Therefore, the colourless species are TiF62− and Cu2Cl2.