Chapter 21, Problem 97RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason why copper(II) aqueous solution is blue in color and zinc(II) aqueous solution is colorless is to be explained.

Concept Information:

Crystal field theory is the theory that explains the bonding of the complex ions.

Ligands are the molecules or ions that are bonded with a coordinate covalent bond to a metal ion.

Crystal Field Splitting or $\Delta$ is the energy difference between the two sets of $d$ orbitals that is between the higher energy level of $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals and the lower energy level of $d_{xy}$, $d_{xz}$, and $d_{yz}$ orbitals in an octahedral complex.