Chapter 2 - Electronic Spectroscopy

Abstract

In this chapter, definitions and interpretation of the electronic spectra of transition metal complexes are explained in depth. Fundamental concepts such as terms, term symbols and their derivation, spin-orbit coupling, selection rules and the group theoretical approach in deriving them, band shapes and intensities, etc., are explained. In order to predict the electronic spectrum of a given transition metal complex, Orgel diagrams and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams are explained in detail. The electronic spectra of individual transition metal ions from d1 to d9 systems are explained with illustrations. Charge transfer transitions, their types, and how to distinguish them from d-d transitions are discussed.