Q23 / 90 · JEE Main 2019 (08 Apr Shift 1) · Chemistry

The lanthanide ion that would show colour is:

  • A
     Lu3+
  • B
     La3+
  • C
    Gd3+
  • Correct answer
    D
    Sm3+

Solution

The elements or ions having unpaired electrons show colour. The valence shell electronic configuration of La3+ and Lu3+ are 4f0 and 4f14 respectively. Hence, they are colourless. Gd3+ is also colourless, this is because, here 4f orbitals are half filled,hence stable.As such f-f transitions are not possible because they will destroy the symmetry of 4f and make them unstable. Sm3+ has the valence shell electronic configuration 4f5, hence, it is coloured due to the presence of unpaired electrons.

La+3= Colourless
Gd+3= Colourless
Sm+3= Pale yellow colour
Lu+3= Colourless

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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