LABORATORY REPORT OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

EXPERIMENT 7
LIGAND FIELD STRENGTH

Created by:
Name

: Bunga Mahardhika A

NIM

: 4301413105

Departement

: Chemistry

Prodi

: Chemistry Education

Lecturer

: Ella Kusumastuti

Date

: 17 March 2015

Group

:7

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
SEMARANG STATE UNIVERSITY
2015

EXPERIMENT 7
Ligand Field Strength

17 March 2015

A. Purpose Experiment
Learn the difference of ligand field strength between ammonia and water
B. Theory
Ligand field theory is one of the most useful theory to describe the electronic structure of
the complex. Initially this theory is the application of crystal field theory on complex systems.
Each ligand, whether it's a neutral molecules or negative ions, donate a pair of electrons to
form a bond with the central ion or atom. Style that is held against the central ion or atom by
these electrons, and the net charge of ligands, called the ligand field. (Kleinfelter, 1999)
Crystal field theory developed by Bethe and Van Vieck. This theory assumes that the
interaction between the central ion and ligand only electrostatic interactions. Ion or atom
center is seen as positively charged particles, whereas the ligand as negatively charged
particles, because in general ligand negatively charged or polar molecules. (Nuryono, 1999)
The electric field induced by the ligand will affect the electrons on the central ion and ion
induced electric field center also affect the electrons in the surrounding ligands. Electrons on
the central ion is most affected by the electric field induced by the ligand is the d orbital
electrons, because the d electrons are very instrumental in forming complex ions. (Nuraini S,
1994)
Both d orbitals are concentrated along the coordinate axes are dx2 and dx2-y2 and leads
directly to ligand charge, will have a higher power compared with the three d orbitals are
concentrated among the coordinate axes are dxy, dxz, dyz. In other words, electrons occupy
orbitals d will undergo major kebih repulsion of the electrons occupy orbitals d, because the
former leads directly to the negative charge, while the so-called then lead to the space between
the ligand charges. In terms of the direction of force can be said that the original degenerate d
orbitals in the field of free ions or atoms become lost and split into two parts for the case of
compound having octahedral shape. (M. Clyde Day, 1993)

Group dxy, dxz, dyz called t2g groups and groups dz2 and dx2-y2 called group eg. The
difference in energy group t2g and eg expressed in symbols or 10 Dq called crystal field
splitting energy which is also the size of the crystal field strength. According to quantum
mechanics, the separation of the five d orbitals are not accompanied by changes in energy, thus
decreasing orbital energy in the group are those of the lower level should be offset by the
excess energy in the group who are at a higher level. (Nuraini S, 1994)

For the case of compound having tetrahedral and planar shape in terms of 4, when the
four ligands approach the central ion ligands approach direction is not in line either with a
group or with t2g orbital eg orbitals. Separation d orbitals of the metal ions in tetrahedral
complexes into its opposite when compared with separation d orbitals in an octahedral
complex (eg lower orbital energy of the orbital t2g). The structure of a rectangular planar
complex ions can be obtained from the octahedral structure by eliminating ligands contained
along the z axis. So the orbital energy dz2, dxz, and dyz repulsion is reduced because a smaller
gain. And increased energy orbitals dx2-y2 and dxy. (Nuraini S, 1994)
The difference in energy levels that can be big or small depends on several factors, but all
of it is defined as 10 Dq. The big difference in this level can be understood that the crystal
field theory can explain the difference in the color of the complex. This can be explained in
crystal field theory concurrently complex [Ti (H2O) 6] 3+. One electron in the d orbital Ti3 +
ions will occupy the lower energy level (t2g). If the complex received a number of energy
(light energy) whose energy is equal to the price of 10 Dq, then the energy will be absorbed to
excite electrons to a higher level (eg). (Tim Lecturer of Inorganic Chemistry, 2014)

The amount of 10 Dq is influenced by the type of metal ions and ligands oxidation
numbers involved. Electronic transition from the first energy level to another energy level falls
in the region of visible light or electromagnetic spectrum. Visible color is the color of light that
is absorbed complement, for example complexes [Ti (H2O) 6] 3+ purple color means the color
is absorbed is complementary purple color is yellowish green. The relationship between the
wavelength region that is absorbed and colors that look as shown in Table 1.
Wavelength (nm)

Colors are absorbed

Complementary colors
(colors that look)

400 435

Puple

Yellowish green

435 480

Blue

Yellow

480 490

Greenish blue

Orange

490 500

Bluish green

Red

500 560

Green

Redish purple

560 580

Yellowish green

Puple

580 595

Yellow

Blue

595 610

Jingga

Greenish blue

610 800

Red

Bluish green

Table 01.
(Anonim, 2011)

C. Apparatus and Reagents

Apparatus :
10 ml and 50 ml volumetric flask
Volumetric pipette 2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml
Beaker glass 100 ml

Dropping pipette
The test tube rack
Test tube
Stirring bar
Cuvette
The glass measuring 10 ml
Spectrophotometer Spectronik 20

Reagents:
Ammonia solution 1 M
Cu 2+ solution of 0.1 M
Distilled water
D. Procedure
Cu2+ 0,1M
(Solution A)

Cu2+ 0,1M 50% :

50% NH3 1M)

Cu2+ 0,1M 25% :

75% NH3 1M)

(Solution B)

(Solution C)

Observed absorption solution A, B, C using Genesys 20

spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 550-700 nm with an interval of
10nm.
Comparing the maximum wavelength to determine the strength of the
ligand field.

E. Observation Data
No
.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

(nm)

Absorbance

Absorbance Cu2+ (50

Absorbansi Cu2+

550
560
570
580
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
660

Cu2+ (water)
0,023
0,031
0,041
0,054
0,073
0,095
0,122
0,157
0,194
0,245
0,304
0,374

water : 50 ammonia)
0,972
1,079
1,164
1,228
1,239
1,260
1,261
1,246
1,220
1,180
1,131
1,076

(25 water : 75 amonia)

1,858
2,051
2,199
2,301
2,053
2,079
2,075
2,062
2,038
1,993
1,939
1,866

13.
670
0,445
14.
680
0,527
15.
690
0,610
16.
700
0,695
17.
710
0,779
18.
720
0,866
19.
730
0,944
20.
740
1,017
21.
750
1,081
22.
760
1,139
23.
770
1,185
24.
780
1,218
25.
790
1,242
26.
800
1,258
27.
810
1,263
28.
820
1,261
29.
830
1,252
F. Calculation and Discussion
Energy of solution A
c
e = h. max
e = 6,6.10-34 Js x

1,019
0,953
0,890
0,828

1,782
1,683
1,581
1,477

3. 108 m/ s
810.109 m

Graphic Between Absorbance of Solution A and Wave Lenght of Solution A

1.4
1.2
1
0.8
Absorbance (A)

0.6
0.4
0.2
0

Wave Lenght () nm

17

e = 0,024 x 10

Joule

Energy of solution B

e = h.

c
max

e = 6,6.10

-34

Js x

3.10 8 m/ s
9
610. 10 m

Graphic Between Absorbance of Solution B and Wave Lenght of Solution B

Absorbance (B)

550560570580590 600 610620630640 650 660670680690 700

Wave Lenght

17

e = 0,032 x 10

Joule

Energy of solution C
c
e = h. max
8

e = 6,6.10-34 Js x

3.10 m/ s
580. 109 m

17
e = 0,034 x 10 Joule

()

In this practicum, conducted experiments about the strength of the ligand field that aims
to understand the difference between the ligand field strength of ammonia and water. The
difference in the ligand field strength is distinguished by determination of 10 Dq energy. 10
Dq value is the energy needed for the splitting or separation of d orbitals or electrons are
excited to higher energy levels when given light energy. This experiment was conducted in 3
variations solution was analyzed using Genesys 20 spectrophotometer with a wavelength of
550 nm to 840 nm and interval 10 nm. This variation consists of solution A, solution B, and
solution C. Where solution A is a solution of 0.1 M Cu 2+ complexes with water, solution B is a
solution of 0.1 M Cu2+ complexes with water and ammonia solution 1 M, which has a ratio of
50%: 50% , and a solution of C is a solution of 0.1 M Cu 2+ complex with water and ammonia
solution 1 M, having ratio of 25%: 75%.
The results were observed when each solution is prepared is the formation of colored
solutions. The more ammonia contained in the Cu 2+ complex solution then the blue color that
looks more dark. This is because the difference in the energy levels of atomic orbitals are
bonding in each solution. The colors are characteristic of complex compounds Cu2+. And the
colors are complementary colors which are light waves that are not absorbed by the solution.
Because only the light waves (with a wavelength) that can be absorbed certain. When the
purple blue color that looks so color is absorbed is yellowish green, and blue colors are visible
when the color is absorbed is orange.
Then, these three solutions would be determined its absorbance by using Genesys 20
spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 550 nm to 840 nm at intervals of 10 nm. This
wavelength range is chosen because most transition metal ions absorbancing radiation in the

UV region of the spectrum or visible light is about 400nm-700nm. Then, 3 variations of this
solution was put into cuvette. This cuvette as a sample to be analyzed with a
spectrophotometer. Before analysis we also have to prepare a blank solution. Blank solution is
a solution of the same composition as the solution was analyzed but without analyzed samples.
Blank solution in these experiments was distilled water. This cuvette should always clean, the
exterior should be cleaned and dried prior to use tissue. This is because it is very sensitive
spectrophotometer, when the cuvette in a dirty state of the absorption of light by the sample
was not optimal so that the data obtained is also not good. Before the sample is measured
absorbance, should be measured prior absorbance of the reference solution. Blank solution
with zero absorbance and transmittansi 100% (does not absorb radiation), is used as the
standard for measuring the absorbance of the complex.
Solution A is 3 ml of 0.1 M Cu 2+, color formed in the solution is light blue (almost all of
the complex magnitude Dq price equal to the energy frequency spectra lies in the visible
region, since no relation between the color with the color of a complex frequency depends on
the frequency of the absorbed. the color complex is complementary color light blue complex
absorbed. So that, when the compound absorbs the color complements, that is orange color
with a maximum wavelength of 810 nm). The maximum wave length obtained is 810 nm, and
17
the value of e in solution A is e = 0,024 x 10 Joule .

41

Absorbed Color
Purple

0
43

Blue-purple

Yellow

0
48

Blue

Orange

0
50

Green-blue

Red

0
53
Green

Absorbed Color
0
560
Yellow-green

Observed Color
Yellow-green

Red-purple
Observed Color
Purple

580

Yellow

Blue-purple

610

Orange

Blue

680

Red

Green-blue

720

Red-purple

Green

Forming a copper complex compound with the formula [Cu(H2O)6]2 where Cu2+ as the
central atom and H2O as the ligand.
Electron configuration of copper and copper ions are as follows :
Cu :

3d10

4s2

4p

4d

Cu2+ :

3d10

4s2

4p

4d

Cu2+ ions bind to the H2O ligands that undergo hybridization. Hybridization that occurs
is sp3d2. Hybridization shape for this type is octahedral. In solution A wavelength is 830 nm
obtained. Reaction that occurs in this experiment is :
Cu2+

[Cu(H2O)6]2+

6 H2O

In solution B, 3 ml of 0.1 M solution of Cu 2+ mix with 3 ml NH3 1M with a ratio of 50%:

50%. This solution produces a deep blue color which is more dense than the solution A. The
color is formed in the solution is blue (blue complex absorbs the color complements the
complex is orange with a maximum wavelength is 610 nm). The value of e in solution B is e =
17
0,032 x 10 Joule .

41

Absorbed Color
Purple

Observed color
Yellow-green

0
43

Blue-purple

Yellow

0
48

Blue

Orange

0
50

Green-blue

Red

0
53

Green

Red-purple

Absorbed Color
Yellow-green

Observed Color
Purple

56

0
58

Yellow

Blue-purple

0
61

Orange

Blue

0
68

Red

Green-blue

0
72

Red-purple

Green

In this solution, ammonia and water is as the Ligand. The complex compounds that
formed are [Cu(H2O)3(NH3)3]2+. The reaction occurs :
[Cu(H2O)6]2++

[Cu(H2O)3(NH3)3]2+

4NH3

The results of the above reaction shows that there are 3 ligand NH3 and 3 ligand H2O, so
that the electron configuration is :
3d

4s

4p

4d

From the above it can be seen that the orbital hybridization [Cu(H2O)3(NH3)3]2+ is sp3d3
to form octahedral geometry. In solution B, the maximum wave length obtained is 610 nm.
In solution C, 2.5 ml of Cu2+ solution 0.1 M mix with 7.5 ml of NH3 solution 1M, with a
ratio 25%:75%. The addition of excess ammonia levels will increase the value of the
absorbance. The maximum wavelength of 580 nm is obtained. After calculating the energy
obtained for e = 0,034 x

1017 Joule .

This solution produces a dark blue color. Color

formed in the solution is blue (blue complex then the complex absorbs color is orange to
complement the maximum wavelength is 580 nm)

Absorbed Color

Observed Color

41

Purple

Yellow-green

0
43

Blue-purple

Yellow

0
48

Blue

Orange

0
50

Green-blue

Red

0
53

Green

Red-purple


56

Absorbed Color
Yellow-green

Observed Color
Purple

0
58

Yellow

Blue-purple

0
61

Orange

Blue

0
68

Red

Green-blue

0
72

Red-purple

Green

In this solution of ammonia and water acts as a ligand. Complex compounds formed are
[Cu(H2O)4(NH3)2]2+
[Cu(H2O)6]2+ +

with

reactions

that

occur

as

follows

[Cu(H2O)4(NH3)2]2+

4NH3

Hybridization that occurs from the compound [Cu(H2O)4(NH3)2]2+ is sp3d2, the molecular shape is
octahedral geometry.
Maximum absorbance shows maximum wavelength that is absorbed by the solution of
complex compounds. From the experimental results shows that the maximum wavelength highest
in solution A (solution of Cu2+) is 810 nm and decreased to 610 nm in solution B (solution of Cu2+
and ammonia 50:50) and dropped again to 580 nm in solution C (solution of Cu2+ and ammonia
25:75). Based on the wavelength obtained 10 Dq energy determined for each solution. 10 Dq The
values obtained each solution is :
17

Solution A e = 0,024 x 10

Joule

17
Solution B e = 0,032 x 10 Joule

17
Solution C e = 0,034 x 10 Joule

From the experiment results it can be concluded that the sequence of ligand field strength is:
Solution C > Solution B > Solution A.

These results are consistent with existing theory. According to the order of the strength of
the ligand field theory NH3> H2O> Cu2+. 10 Dq value in a solution containing ammonia ligand is
greater than the solution containing pure water ligands. This indicates that the ammonia ligand
ligand has a stronger force. This happens because the wavelength is shorter than the solution C
wavelength solution A and solution B. The ligand field strength (which is marked also by the
increasing number of the content of ammonia), the smaller the maximum wavelength that is
absorbed (Hk. Lambert Beer) so that the greater 10 Dq values obtained. This happens because of
the transition elements have a wide absorption band and is strongly influenced by the
environment. Absorption band broadening seen in landainya peak (not conical) formed on the
chart each solution can be seen in the graph of determining the maximum wavelength. Top of the
chart is formed sloping, not conical. This indicates that the transition elements have absorption
bands are widened. But in the experiments of our group is not in accordance with the existing
theory, the color of the solution C is dark blue, while the color is dark blue solution B
concentrated. Supposedly more ammonia solution is added, the color of the resulting solution was
further concentrated. This may occur due to less than perfect shake and shuffle when solution B,
there is a solution that is spilled, and the errors are less conscientious practitioner.
G. Conclusion and Suggestion
Conlusion :
Crystal field theory shows the interaction between the metal ions Cu2+ with ammonia and

water ligands which are electrostatic interactions

Ammonia ligand is stronger than water ligand, so that the bonds between Cu 2+ ions with
strong ammonia ligands and it is indicated by the high value of 10 Dq obtained along with
a number of ammonia contained in the solution.

The greater the value of 10 Dq in a solution, the wavelength is shorter.

The calculation obtained from the experiment result are :
17
Solution A = 810 nm, e = 0,024 x 10 Joule
17
Solution B = 610 nm, e = 0,032 x 10 Joule
17
Solution C = 580 nm, e = 0,034 x 10 Joule

From the experiment results it can be concluded that the sequence of ligand field
strength is:
Solution C > Solution B > Solution A.
Suggestion :

Practitioner should be more careful and meticulous during the practicum

Practitioner must understand the procedure and mtheory before doing the

practicum
The tools that will be used should be in good condition
Practitioner should maintain the cohessiveness within the members of the group

H. Reference
Anonim.

2011.

http://wanibesak.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/spektrofotometri-sinar-

tampak-visible/ (Diakses pada tanggal 16 Mei pukul 13:50)

Nuraini. 2011. http://hikmaharifblog.blogspot.com/ (Diakses pada tanggal 16 Mei 2014
pukul 14:15)
Nuryono. 1999. Kimia Koordinasi.Yogyakarta :Lab Kimia Anorganik Jurusan Kimia
FMIPA UGM.
Silmi. 2011. http://hurulsilmi.blogspot.com/2011/05/kekuatan-medan-ligan.html (Diakses
pada tanggal 16 Mei 2014 pukul 14:43)
Tim Dosen Kimia Anorganik. 2014. Petunjuk Praktikum Kimia Anorganik. Semarang :
Laboratorium Kimia FMIPA UNNES.
Vogel.1990. Analisis Anorganik Kualitatif Makro dan Semi Mikro, Jilid 2. Jakarta : PT.
Kalman Media Pustaka.

Semarang, 20 March 2015

Practitioner

Bunga Mahardhika A
NIM. 4301413105

I. Appendix
Documentation of practicum

Solution A

Soution B

Solution C

Solution in cuvette :
1. Blank
solution =
distilled
1

water
2. Solution
A = Cu2+
0,1 M
3. Solution

B = Cu2+ 0,1 M : NH3 1 M (50:50)

4. Solution C = Cu2+ 0,1 M : NH3 1 M (25:75)