Färgmolekyl

Färgmolekyl, often translated as color molecule or pigment molecule, refers to any chemical compound that possesses the property of absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of visible light, thereby imparting color. The interaction of light with these molecules is fundamental to our perception of color.

The color of a substance is determined by its molecular structure, particularly the arrangement of electrons within the molecule. When light, which is composed of photons of various energies (and thus wavelengths), strikes a färgmolekyl, certain wavelengths are absorbed by the electrons, while others are reflected or transmitted. The wavelengths that are not absorbed are perceived by the human eye as the color of the substance. For instance, a färgmolekyl that absorbs all wavelengths except those in the blue spectrum will appear blue.

Different types of färgmolekyler exist, broadly categorized into pigments and dyes. Pigments are typically insoluble in the medium they color, such as paints or plastics. Dyes, on the other hand, are soluble and are used in applications like textile coloring or food coloring. The specific arrangement of conjugated double bonds and the presence of chromophores (color-bearing groups) and auxochromes (color-intensifying groups) within the molecular structure are key factors that dictate the color properties of a färgmolekyl. The study of these molecules is central to fields like chemistry, physics, and materials science.