3.2.5 - Transition Metals Flashcards
Transition metals
Elements in the d-block of the periodic table with a partially filled d-orbital. They lose electrons to form positive ions with the s-orbital electrons being removed first
Physical properties of transition metals
Similar physical properties, atomic radius, high densities and high melting and boiling points
Chemical properties of transition metals
Form complexes, form coloured ions, variable oxidation states, good catalysts
Complexes
form from transition metals, consisting of a central metal ion or atom surrounded by ligands
Ligands
Molecules or ions with a lone electron pair that is able to form a coordinate bond to the central metal ions by donating this electron pair.
Common ligands
Cl-
H2O
NH3
Coordination number
Equal to the number of coordinate bonds formed around the central metal ion
Coordination number of silver complexes
2
Common coordination number of platinum complexes
4
Exchange between ligands NH3 and H2O
They can be exchanged without a change in coordination number via a ligand substitution reaction
Equation for ligand substitution reaction between NH3 and H2O ligands
[Co(H2O)6]2+ + 6NH3 –> [Co(NH3)6]2+ + 6H2O
Exchange between copper complexes and NH3 in excess
The substitution is incomplete and the complex formed has a combination of water and ammonia ligands
Equation for reaction between [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and NH3
[Cu(H2O)6]2+ + 4NH3 –> [Cu(H2O)2(NH3)4]2+ + 4H2O
colour of [Cu(H2O)2(NH3)4]2+
forms as a deep blue solution
Exchange between copper complexes and Cl-
Cl- ligand is much larger than NH3 and H2O ligands meaning substitution with this ligand results in a change in coordination number for that complex
Equation for reaction between [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and Cl-
[Cu(H2O)6]2+ + 4Cl- –> [CuCl4]2- + 6H2O
Complexes with just Cl- ligands always have…
a coordination number of 4, producing a tetrahedral shaped complex
Bidentate ligands
Able to form two coordinate bonds to the central metal ion as they have two lone electron pairs
Common bidentate ligands
Ethanedioate ions, ethane-1,2-diamine
Ethanedioate ions
a lone pair electron on two of the oxygen atoms
Ethane-1,2-diamine
a lone electron pair on each of the nitrogen atoms
Multidentate ligands
Able to form up to six coordinate bonds to the central metal ion as they have multiple lone electron pairs
Most common multidentate ligand
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
Equation for reaction between iron compound and EDTA
[Fe(H2O)6]3+ + EDTA4- –> [FeEDTA]-1 + 6H2O
Another common multidentate ligand is…
Haem that consists of six coordinate bonds around a central Fe2+ ion and its shape & structure allow it to transport oxygen