The wavelength of maximum absorption for an octahedral complex [ML₆]^ n+ is 400 nm . The expected wavelength of maximum absorption for the corresponding tetrahedral complex [ML₄]^ n+ formed by the same metal and ligands is

Step-by-step solution

The energy of absorption ( ) is inversely proportional to the wavelength of absorbed light ( ), as given by the Planck-Einstein relation: = hc The relationship between the crystal field splitting energies of tetrahedral and octahedral complexes is: _t = 4 9 _o Substituting with hc gives: hc _t = 4 9 ( hc _o ) Simplifying this relation yields: 1 _t = 4 9 _o _t = 9 4 _o Given that _o = 400 nm , the wavelength for the tetrahedral complex is: _t = 9 4 400 nm = 900 nm Answer: 900 nm