The color of a transition metal complex results from:
A)bending vibrations
B)stretching vibrations
C)transition of an electron between d orbitals
D)transition of an electron between an s and a p orbital
E)nuclear magnetic resonance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The color of a transition metal complex results from the transition of an electron between d orbitals. This is known as a d-d transition, and it results in the absorption or emission of visible light, which gives the complex its characteristic color.

The Color of a Transition Metal Complex Results From