Electronic state, infrared energy absorption

Transitions between different electronic states result in absorption of energy in the ultraviolet, visible and, for many transition metal complexes, the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Spectroscopic methods that probe these electronic transitions can, in favourable conditions, provide detailed information on the electronic and magnetic properties of both the metal ion and its ligands. 

This excitation takes place within the same electronic state by the absorption of a photon with frequency, (o, that matches with the energy difference of these two vibrational states and is in the infrared spectral region ... 

Electrons in nonpolar liquids are either in the conduction band, trapped in a cavity in the liquid, or in special cases form solvent anions. The energy of the bottom of the conduction band is termed Vq. Vq has been measured for many liquids and its dependence on temperature and pressure has also been measured. New techniques have provided quite accurate values of Vq for the liquid rare gases. The energies of the trapped state have also been derived for several liquids from studies of equilibrium electron reactions. A characteristic of the trapped electron is its broad absorption spectrum in the infrared. 

Recall from Chapter 13 that the absorption of infrared energy can promote a molecule from a lower vibrational state to a higher one. In a similar fashion, the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) light can promote an electron from a lower electronic state to a higher one. Ultraviolet light has... 

---