In an isolated atom all of the d–orbitals have exactly the same energy, but if an atom or ion is

surrounded by charged ions or polar molecules, the effect of the electric field from these has a
different effect on the various d– orbitals. Because of their symmetry the orbitals are often split up
into two different groups.

For octahedral complex ions three orbitals are at low energy and two orbitals at higher energy.
The difference in energy between these two groups of orbitals varies slightly with the nature of the
species surrounding the metal ion, but the frequency of the light corresponding to this (linked by
the formula ∆E = h.f) occurs in the visible region.

This means that when white light passes through a solution containing a complex ion of a
transition metal, light of a particular frequency is absorbed and an electron is promoted from a
lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital.

The solution transmits the remaining light, and this complementary colour is the colour that is
observed.

Let us take the example of ARRANGEMENT OF THE d-electrons in a Cu2+ ion

before and after 6 water molecules bond with it.
Complementary colours can be ascertained from the simple diagram shown
below:

Why is copper(II) sulphate solution blue?

If white light (ordinary sunlight, for example) passes

through copper(II) sulphate solution, some wavelengths in
the light are absorbed by the solution. Copper(II) ions in
solution absorb light in the red region of the spectrum.
The solution that transmits the remaining light, will have colours in it except red.
We can see a mixture of wavelengths as pale blue (cyan)

The diagram gives an impression of what happens if you

pass white light through copper(II) sulphate solution.

Although scandium is a member of the d block, its ion

(Sc3+) hasn't got any d electrons left to move around. This
is no different from an ion based on Mg2+ or Al3+.
Scandium(III) complexes are colourless because no
visible light is absorbed.

In the zinc case, the 3d level is completely full - there

aren't any gaps to promote an electron in to. Zinc
complexes are also colourless.