Chapter 21, Problem 59E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given complex ions are to be ranked in order of increasing wavelength of the light absorbed.

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 rank: The complex ions $\text{Co}{\left({\text{H}}_2\text{O}\right)}_{\text{6}}{}^{3+},\text{Co}{\left(\text{CN}\right)}_{\text{6}}{}^{3-},{\text{CoI}}_{\text{6}}{}^{3-}$ and $\text{Co}{\left(\text{en}\right)}_{\text{3}}{}^{3+}$ in order of increasing wavelength of the light absorbed.