Chapter 23: Problem 17

How does ligand field theory describe the origin of charge transfer spectra in coordination complexes.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Ligand Field Theory describes the splitting of degenerate electronic energy levels due to the approach of ligands. When light is absorbed in coordination complexes, charge is transferred either from the ligand to the metal ion (LMCT) or from the metal ion to the ligand (MLCT) which is represented in the form of charge transfer spectra.

Step by step solution

Understand Ligand Field Theory

Ligand field theory (LFT) is a bonding theory, which explains the formation as well as properties of coordination compounds. LFT describes the splitting of degenerate electronic energy levels due to the approach of ligands.

Explain Charge Transfer Spectra

Charge transfer spectra are observed when there is transfer of charge from a ligand to a metal ion (known as Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer or LMCT) or from a metal ion to a ligand (known as Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer or MLCT). This excitation is commonly brought about due to the absorption of light.

Connect Ligand Field Theory with Charge Transfer Spectra

In order to connect LFT with charge transfer spectra in coordination complexes, it's important to understand that in LFT, the d orbitals of metal ion split into two levels of different energy when ligands approach it. This is due to the difference in the direction of approach of ligands and the difference in symmetry with respect to the metal ion's d orbitals. The charge transfer transitions (LMCT or MLCT) happen between these split d orbitals causing absorbance of light at specific wavelengths which constitute the charge transfer spectra.

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How does ligand field theory describe the origin of charge transfer spectra in coordination complexes.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Ligand Field Theory

Explain Charge Transfer Spectra

Connect Ligand Field Theory with Charge Transfer Spectra

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