The order of energy absorbed which is responsible for the color of complexes (A) [Ni(H2O)2(en)2]2+ (B) [Ni(H2O)4(en)]2+ and (C) [Ni(en)3]2+ is
- (A) > (B) > (C)
- (C) > (B) > (A)
- (C) > (A) > (B)
- (B) > (A) > (C)
Answer
(3) (C) > (A) > (B)
Solution
As per NCERT, en is a stronger field ligand than H2O (spectrochemical series: H2O < NH3 < en).
The colour arises from d–d transition, the energy absorbed equals the crystal field splitting o.
The larger the number of en ligands, the larger o and the greater the energy absorbed.
Number of en ligands: (C) [Ni(en)3]2+ = 3, (A) [Ni(H2O)2(en)2]2+ = 2, (B) [Ni(H2O)4(en)]2+ = 1
Energy absorbed: (C) > (A) > (B)
Answer: (3)