In the following pair of complex ions, choose the one that absorbs light at a shorter wavelength. A)[Co(N H)₆]³⁺ B)[CoCl₆]^3-

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of NH3 ligands in the complex ion A causes it to absorb light at a shorter wavelength compared to the complex ion B, which has Cl- ligands. The electron donating nature of NH3 results in a stronger field ligand than Cl-, which causes a larger splitting of the d-orbitals in the cobalt ion and results in a higher energy difference between the ground and excited states. Therefore, complex ion A absorbs light at a shorter wavelength than complex ion B.

In the Following Pair of Complex Ions, Choose the One