The Power of Partial Terms in Explaining the Electronic Spectra of Transition Metal Complexes

E. M. R. Kiremire

Department of Chemistry, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek (Namibia)

The knowledge of electronic spectra is of great importance in understanding the coordination chemistry of transition metal complexes. Yet the basic theory underlying the same continue to be shrouded in abstraction and mystery and remain remote to a student at undergraduate level. This paper highlights a simple but powerful method for deriving Partial Terms which are also utilized to derive Russell-Saunders ( RS )Terms. The Russell-Saunders Terms together with Ligand Field (LF)Terms are then utilized to explain the electronic spectra of transition metal complexes.

Electronic spectra; transition metal