Exploring Metal Compounds and Their Colors

In summary, there are several green, blue, and purple metal compounds that exist, including nickel complexes for a green solution, copper sulfate for a beautiful blue solution, and certain cobalt complexes for a purple solution. Some specific examples include nickel and cobalt compounds, as well as potassium permanganate and copper salts. The colors produced by these compounds can also vary depending on the anion present. A list of common flame colors for different metal compounds can be found at http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/jcesoft/cca/cca2/MAIN/FLAME/CD2R1.HTM.
  • #1
Izzhov
121
0
Are there any green, blue, or purple metal compounds (non-alloys)?
Also, is there any list of all known stable metal compounds and their colors?
 
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  • #2
Izzhov said:
Are there any green, blue, or purple metal compounds (non-alloys)?
Also, is there any list of all known stable metal compounds and their colors?

I think some nickel complexes will give you a green solution

You can get a beautiful blue solution by just dissolving copper sulfate in water

purple you can get from certain cobalt complexes
 
  • #3
Do you know any specific names of the nickel/cobalt compounds?
 
  • #4
Hopefully, by "metal compounds" you are not referring to intermetallics.

Most copper salts are either bright blue (eg: anhydrous copper II nitrate and the hydrated sulfate) or blue-green (eg: copper II chloride and carbonate).

Potassium permanganate is purple.

Cobalt II chloride, a moisture detector, is blue when anhydrous, and bright pink when hydrated. Cobalt II oxide is green.
 
  • #5
Izzhov said:
Are there any green, blue, or purple metal compounds (non-alloys)?
Also, is there any list of all known stable metal compounds and their colors?
Ni(NH3)4++ is a beautiful violet.
 
  • #6
Compounds that include potassium commonly produce purple colored flames, copper compounds can be either blue or green depending on the anion (for example, copper II sulfate is blue while copper II nitrate is green). Still, most compounds produce a flame based primarily on their cation.

http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/jcesoft/cca/cca2/MAIN/FLAME/CD2R1.HTM has a good description of some commonly seen colors in flame tests too.
 
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1. What is the purpose of exploring metal compounds and their colors?

The purpose of exploring metal compounds and their colors is to understand the relationship between the chemical composition of these compounds and the colors they exhibit. This knowledge can be applied in various fields, such as materials science, medicine, and art conservation.

2. How do metal compounds produce different colors?

Metal compounds produce different colors due to a phenomenon called electronic transitions. When light strikes a metal compound, it causes electrons in the compound to jump to higher energy levels. As the electrons return to their original energy levels, they emit light of a specific wavelength, which appears as a color to the human eye.

3. What factors influence the color of metal compounds?

The color of a metal compound is influenced by several factors, including the type of metal, its oxidation state, the ligands (molecules or ions) attached to the metal, and the geometry of the compound. These factors determine the energy levels of the electrons and thus the color of the compound.

4. How can metal compounds be used to create pigments?

Metal compounds are often used to create pigments by mixing them with a binder, such as oil or water, to form a paint. The color of the pigment is determined by the composition of the metal compound used. For example, copper compounds produce green pigments, while iron compounds produce red and yellow pigments.

5. What are some real-world applications of studying metal compounds and their colors?

Studying metal compounds and their colors has many real-world applications. In materials science, it can be used to develop new pigments, dyes, and coatings with specific colors and properties. In medicine, it can aid in the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools. In art conservation, it can help identify and restore the original colors of ancient artifacts. Additionally, understanding the colors of metal compounds is crucial in the design of display screens and LED lights.

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