The crystal field splitting energy, Δ,
A)is larger for tetrahedral complexes than for octahedral complexes.
B)depends on the metal but not on the ligand.
C)determines the color of a complex.
D)is larger for ionic ligands like chloride than for molecular ligands like carbon monoxide, CO.
E)determines the charge of a complex.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The crystal field splitting energy (Δ) influences the distribution of electrons among the d-orbitals of transition metal ions in complexes, which in turn affects the wavelengths of light absorbed by the complex. This absorption of specific wavelengths is what gives many transition metal complexes their characteristic colors.

The Crystal Field Splitting Energy, Δ