Chapter 20, Problem 58E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: It is given that, the complex ion $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{H}}_2\text{O}\right)}_{\text{6}}{}^{3+}$ has an absorption maximum at around $\text{800 nm}$. When four ammonias replace water, $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{4}}{\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)}_{\text{2}}{}^{2+}$ the absorption maximum shifts to around $\text{600 nm}$. Significance of these results in terms of the relative field splitting of ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ is to be stated.

Concept introduction: The capacity to absorb light by complex ion is directly proportional to crystal field splitting energy and energy absorbed is inversely proportional to the wavelength.

To determine: The significance of the given results in terms of the relative field splitting of ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$.