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What is the energy difference between paired and unpaired electrons of d orbitals? Transition metal ions with unpaired electrons undergo d-d transitions making them appear coloured; but, why the paired electrons cannot absorb visible radiation to exhibit the complimentary colour?

What is the energy difference between paired and unpaired electrons of d orbitals? Transition metal ions with unpaired electrons undergo d-d transitions making them appear coloured; but, why the paired electrons cannot absorb visible radiation to exhibit the complimentary colour?   


 

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1 Answers

SAGAR SINGH - IIT DELHI
878 Points
13 years ago

Dear srinivas,

You know that each electron orbital (1s, 2s, 2px, 2py, 2pz, 3s, etc.) can ONLY hold 2 electrons, each with opposite spins (according to Pauli's exclusion principle). Unpaired just means there's only one electron in the orbital so it's unpaired.

The use of these splitting diagrams can aid in the prediction of the magnetic properties of coordination compounds. A compound that has unpaired electrons in its splitting diagram will be paramagnetic and will be attracted by magnetic fields, while a compound that lacks unpaired electrons in its splitting diagram will be diamagnetic and will be weakly repelled by a magnetic field.

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