kromofór

A kromofór is a part of a molecule responsible for its color. It is the part of the chromophore's structure that absorbs specific wavelengths of light within the visible spectrum, while reflecting or transmitting other wavelengths. This selective absorption and reflection of light is what gives a substance its perceived color.

Kromofóry are typically found in organic compounds and often contain conjugated systems of double bonds, which are alternating single and double bonds. These conjugated systems allow for the delocalization of electrons, enabling them to absorb photons of light with lower energy, which corresponds to longer wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The greater the extent of conjugation, the longer the wavelength of light that can be absorbed, leading to a deeper color.

Examples of molecules containing kromofóry include pigments and dyes. In biological systems, kromofóry are essential for processes like photosynthesis, where chlorophyll absorbs light energy. They are also responsible for the colors of flowers, animal fur, and even the visual pigments in our eyes. The specific arrangement of atoms and the electronic structure of a kromofór determine the precise wavelengths of light it will absorb, and thus its color. Modifications to the chemical structure of a kromofór can alter its absorption spectrum and change the perceived color.