Why are colors resulting from typical d-d electronic transitions often pale or washed-out?

Answer

Because the transition is Laporte forbidden due to symmetry incompatibility between initial and final d orbitals

Pure d-d transitions are often symmetry-forbidden, meaning the transition probability is low, leading to weak absorption intensity and consequently, less intense observed colors.

Why are colors resulting from typical d-d electronic transitions often pale or washed-out?

#Videos

Why do Transition Metals Form Coloured Compounds? - YouTube

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