What causes the intense, opaque colors seen in compounds like potassium permanganate ($ ext{KMnO}_4$)?
Answer
A Charge Transfer (CT) band involving electron excitation between ligand-based and metal-based orbitals
Charge Transfer bands involve a much greater change in charge distribution and do not suffer the same symmetry restrictions as d-d transitions, resulting in extremely strong light absorption.
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Why do Transition Metals Form Coloured Compounds? - YouTube
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