Which of the following complex ions is expected to absorb visible light? (At. no. , , , )
[\text{Cr(\text{NH}_3)}_6]^{3+}
Absorption of visible light by a transition metal complex is generally due to transitions. This requires the central metal ion to have an incompletely filled -subshell ( to configuration). Let's check the electronic configurations of the central metal ions in the given complexes: (A) In , the oxidation state of Sc is . The electronic configuration of () is . Since it has no -electrons, no transition can occur. (B) In , the oxidation state of Ti is . The electronic configuration of () is . It also has no -electrons, so no transition is possible. (C) In [\text{Cr(\text{NH}_3)}_6]^{3+}, the oxidation state of Cr is . The electronic configuration of () is . It has three unpaired -electrons (), making it capable of undergoing transitions and absorbing visible light. (D) In , the oxidation state of Zn is . The electronic configuration of () is . Since the -subshell is completely filled, there are no empty -orbitals available for electrons to transition into, meaning transitions are not possible. Therefore, [\text{Cr(\text{NH}_3)}_6]^{3+} is the only complex expected to absorb visible light.
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