Spectrochemical Series

The spectrochemical series arranges ligands—molecules or ions that bind to a metal atom in a coordination complex—based on the strength of the crystal field they produce. This strength influences the splitting of d-orbitals in the metal, affecting properties like color and magnetic behavior. Ligands lower or raise the energy levels of these orbitals to different extents, and this order helps chemists predict how complexes will behave. Essentially, the series provides a systematic way to understand and anticipate the electronic and optical characteristics of metal complexes based on the nature of their attached ligands.