8.18 Predict which of the following will be coloured in aqueous solution? Ti3+, V3+, Cu+, Sc3+, Mn2+, Fe3+ and Co2+. Give reasons for each.

Step 1:

Only that ions show colour which has unpaired electrons in its d orbital. If ions configuration is 3d0 or 3d10 then it will not colour.

Step 2:

Element

Atomic
Number

Ionic
State

Electronic configuration in ionic
state

Ti

22

Ti3+

[Ar] 3d1

V

23


V3+

Ar 3d2

Cu

29

Cu+

Ar 3d10

Sc

21

Sc3+ 

[Ar]3d0

Mn

25

Mn2+

Ar 3d5

Fe

26

Fe3+

Ar 3d5

Co

27

Co2+


Ar 3d7

From the above table, it can be easily observed that only Sc3+ and Cu+ has an empty d-orbital or completely filled d orbital. 
Hence, they will not show d-d transition and not impart any colour.