Chemical Pigments

[405509920]

How do chemical properties relate to pigment? For example, oxidized iron has its distinguishing red-brown color.

[Chem_Mod]

When iron (ll) is exposed to air, oxidation will occur and it will form iron (lll) salt which gives the brown colour. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, gain in oxygen, loss of hydrogen or increase in the oxidation state. It also has to deal with molecules absorbing specific wavelengths of light, so the observed color is the compliment to what is absorbed. So if you absorb red you will see green!