Question
Chemistry Question on Molecular Orbital Theory
The colour of the X2 molecules of group 17 elements changes gradually from yellow to violet down the group. This is due to
A
the physical state of X2 at room temperature changes from gas to solid down the group
B
decrease in ionization energy down the group
C
decrease in p∗−s∗ gap down the group
D
decrease in HOMO-LUMO gap down the group
Answer
decrease in HOMO-LUMO gap down the group
Explanation
Solution
The colour of the X2 molecules of group-11 elements changes gradually from yellow to violet down the group due to
(i) decrease in π∗−σ∗ gap down the group
(ii) decrease in HOMO-LUMO gap down the group