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Compound examples of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu

Atomic structure and the periodic table • Properties of transition metals

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • A transition metal is an element that can form one or more stable ions with incompletely filled d-orbitals.
  • Complexes form when transition-metal ions bind to ligands, which can be neutral molecules or anions through coordinate covalent bonds.
  • This interaction causes d-orbital splitting and results in characteristic properties.
  • Some elements near the border of the d-block, such as zinc, do not show variable d-electron counts and thus do not behave like typical transition metals.

Flashcards

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How do transition-metal compounds act as catalysts?

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Transition-metal compounds facilitate catalytic reactions by cycling through oxidation states or providing surfaces for reactant binding, lowering activation energy.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Transition-metal colour derives from d–d transitions or charge transfer, while d10 ions are typically colourless.

Variable oxidation states enable redox behaviour and catalytic activity; their stability depends on ligands and pH.

High oxidation states like Cr(VI) and Mn(VII) are strong oxidants and pose toxicity risks.

Hydration and ligand exchange influence observed colours, such as CoCl2 changing from blue to pink upon hydration.

Paramagnetism correlates with the number of unpaired d-electrons; ligand field influences electron pairing.

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