Most of the compounds of the 2+ ions of the first row of the transition metals from Mn to Zn are colored due to absorption of visible light promoting an electron from one 3d orbital to another.Which of these ions should tend to form colorless compounds? A)Mn²⁺ B)Co²⁺ C)Cu²⁺ D)Zn²⁺

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Zinc (Zn) is the exception to the trend of colored compounds in the 2+ ions of the first row of the transition metals. This is because the 3d subshell in zinc is completely filled, meaning there are no available empty d-orbitals for electrons to be promoted to. Therefore, Zn2+ ions tend to form colorless compounds.

Most of the Compounds of the 2+ Ions of the First