Pigmenttimolekyyleissä

Pigmenttimolekyyleissä refers to pigment molecules, which are substances that impart color to an object by selectively absorbing and reflecting certain wavelengths of light. These molecules have a specific molecular structure that allows them to interact with light. The way a pigment molecule absorbs and reflects light is determined by its electronic structure, particularly the presence of conjugated pi systems. These systems consist of alternating single and double bonds that create delocalized electrons, which can absorb energy from photons of visible light. The energy difference between the ground state and excited state of these electrons corresponds to the energy of the absorbed light. The wavelengths of light that are not absorbed are reflected or transmitted, and this reflected or transmitted light is what we perceive as the color of the pigment.

Pigments can be organic or inorganic. Organic pigments are carbon-based molecules and often have complex structures. Examples include carotenoids, which give many plants and animals their yellow, orange, and red colors, and anthocyanins, found in berries and red wine. Inorganic pigments are typically metal oxides or sulfides, such as titanium dioxide (white), iron oxides (reds, browns, yellows), and cadmium sulfide (yellow). The color of inorganic pigments arises from the electronic transitions of d-electrons in transition metal ions or from lattice defects. The stability and colorfastness of pigments are crucial properties for their applications, which range from paints and inks to textiles and food coloring.