v/cm- v/cm- 15,000 17,400 15,300 21,550 15,700 14,900 26,700
v/cm- 24,600 28,500 22,700 32,600
[Cr(H2O)6] [Cr(NH3)6] [Cr(F)6] [Cr(CN)6]
observable
a) Give the ground state Russell-Saunders term for Cr(II), showing how you arrive at your answer. Give also the spectral terms for Cr(III) in an octahedral field that would correlate with the Russell-Saunders term. (2 marks)
b) Suggest the origin of the electronic transitions. Give the spectral assignments for the electronic transitions with reasons. (5 marks)
c) With the aid of the Tanabe-Sugano diagram, determine the values of D and B for all the complexes. Rationalize the observed differences in D and B, if any, for all the complexes. How would you describe the nature of the ligand in each case? (10 marks)
d) The ruby line responsible for the color of ruby, a gemstone composed of alumina doped with Cr(III) ions, has also attracted a lot of interest. This line is extremely narrow and very weak in intensity, and is almost insensitive to the nature of the ligand environment. Assign the electronic transition to this ruby line and provide reasons for the assignment and the band shape and intensity. (3 marks)