How are the color of an compound and it's constituent elements related?

In summary, the color of a compound depends on the number of electrons transferred and the energy difference between molecular orbitals. This is because compounds that absorb light in the visible spectrum will have a color, determined by the energy difference between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). This energy difference is affected by changes in molecular orbitals and the formation of new bonds, resulting in a different spectrum and ultimately determining the color of the compound.
  • #1
A@bhishek
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Suppose the color of some elements is red and blue but after the reaction between them a new compound formed with yellow color .so on what factor does the the color of compound depend?
I think it may depend depend upon the number of electron transferred and the remaining one...
 
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  • #2
It depends on the energy difference between molecular orbitals. When a photon hits electron density, an electron can transition to a higher energy orbital. The photon disappears.

Compounds that absorb light in the visible spectrum will have a colour. The colour will be whatever you get when you take the whole spectrum and remove the absorbed part of the spectrum.

When molecular orbitals change as the molecule rearranges its electrons as new bonds are formed, so change the energy difference between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). Hence, they have a different spectrum.

Only certain compounds have HOMO to LUMO transitions with energy that corresponds to the visible spectrum. So only these certain molecules have colour.
 
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1. How do the elements of a compound determine its color?

The color of a compound is determined by the arrangement and movement of electrons within its constituent elements. When light hits the compound, some of its electrons absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, resulting in the perceived color.

2. Can the color of a compound be predicted based on its constituent elements?

Yes, the color of a compound can often be predicted based on the colors of its constituent elements. For example, compounds containing transition metals often have vibrant colors due to their ability to absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light.

3. How does the electronic configuration of an element affect the color of a compound?

The electronic configuration of an element plays a crucial role in determining the color of a compound. Elements with partially filled d or f orbitals have a greater ability to absorb and reflect light, resulting in a wider range of color possibilities for their compounds.

4. Can the color of a compound change depending on its environment or conditions?

Yes, the color of a compound can change depending on its environment or conditions. This can be due to factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of other molecules, which can alter the arrangement and movement of electrons within the compound.

5. Is the color of a compound solely determined by its constituent elements?

No, while the elements within a compound play a major role in determining its color, other factors such as molecular structure and bonding can also influence its color. Additionally, the same elements can form compounds with different colors depending on their arrangement and bonding patterns.

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