Which one of the following transition metal ion is colourless?

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CUET Chemistry 10th Aug 2022 Official Paper
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  1. Sc3+
  2. V2+
  3. Mn2+
  4. Co3+

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Sc3+
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Detailed Solution

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Explanation:

Scandium (Sc) is a transition metal element that belongs to the 3rd period of the periodic table, and it has only one oxidation state, +3.

The colour of a transition metal ion is due to the presence of partially filled d orbitals, which can absorb certain wavelengths of visible light and reflect others, giving the ion its characteristic colour.

However, Scandium ion (Sc3+) does not have any partially filled d orbitals, as it has lost all three of its valence electrons to form the 3+ oxidation state. As a result, Sc3+ does not absorb any visible light and therefore appears colourless.

On the other hand, the other transition metal ions listed in the options all have partially filled d orbitals and exhibit characteristic colours in aqueous solutions or as solid compounds.

For example, V2+ (Vanadium ion) is blue-green, Mn2+ (Manganese ion) is pale pink, and Co3+ (Cobalt ion) is yellow.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1, Sc3+ (Scandium ion), which is the only colourless transition metal ion among the options given.

In general species having no unpaired electron is colourless. So Sc3+ has electronic configuration [Ar] 3d04s0

So, it is colourless ion. 

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