✅3.4: D Block Transition Elements Flashcards
Define the d-block
The d-block is the groups of elements whose outer electrons are found in the d-orbitals
Define a transition element
A transition element is a metal that possesses a partially filled d sub shell in its atom or stable ions
What elements does the d block contain in the first row?
Consists of elements from scandium to zinc, with the Ar of 21 (Sc) to 30 (Zn)
Name some shared characteristics of the first row d block elements
Elements are hard, dense materials with generally high melting points
What elements in the first row of the d block are also transition elements? Why?
Elements from scandium (Sc) to nickel (Ni) as they have partially filled d-orbitals in the unreacted metals.
Copper is also a transition metal despite having a full set of d-orbitals as a metal because it has partially filled d-orbitals in most of its compounds
Why is Zinc not considered a transition metal
Zinc has a filled d sub-shell in a zinc atom and maintains this in its compounds, as the d sub shell is never partially filled it’s not a transition element
What is important to remember when filling in electrons in boxes after argon
The order of filling orbitals for these elements is: 4s, 3d then 4p.
What two transition elements are exceptions to the rules on filling electrons in box’s
1) Chromium (Cr)
2) Copper (Cu)
Give the atomic number and electron configuration of Chromium (Cr)
Atomic number= 24
Electronic configuration=
2 2 6 2 6 5 1
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s
Give the atomic number and electron configuration of Copper (Cu)
Atomic number = 29
Electronic configuration:
2 2 6 2 6 10 1
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s
Why do copper and chromium not follow the electron configuration rules?
Due to the similar energy of the 3d and 4s sub shells, it does not take much to move electrons between them and so factors such as repulsion between between electrons in the same sub-shell and pairing energy for electrons in the same orbital are enough to change the stable electronic configuration
Key note to remember the electronic configuration of copper and chromium
Shells are more stable if they are filled or half filled
What is filled before what (in terms of electronic configuration)
What is removed before what (in terms of electronic configuration)
The 4s sub shell is filled before the 3d sub shell
The 4s electrons are lost before the 3d electrons
Why are the 4s electrons removed before the 3d electrons
The 4s and 3d orbitals are very close together in energy, so it is more energetically favourable to lose these 4s electrons before the 3d electrons.
What is the common oxidation states of Cr? (2)
Cr3+ and Cr6+
What is the common oxidation states for Mn (5)
+2, +3, +4, +6 and +7
What are the common oxidation states for Fe (2)
+2 and +3
What are the common oxidation states for Co? (2)
+2 and +3
What are the common oxidation states for Cu? (2)
+1 and +2
Why can transition metals form different oxidation states?
The energies of the 4s and 3d orbitals are similar and so the energy required to remove any of these electrons is similar
As the elements form compounds energy is readily released (either through forming covalent bonds or an ionic lattice) so the energy needed to reach higher oxidation states and the energy released in compound formation is finely balanced allowing a range of oxidation states to form
What is the main factor determining the common oxidation states of transition metals?
The oxidising power of the atoms in the compound. For instance chlorine gas is a sting oxidising agent and :: form iron (lll) chloride, whereas iodine vapour is a far weaker oxidising agent and so can only oxidise to form iron (ll) iodide.
How big are transition metal ions?
What charge do transition metals have?
Transition metal ions are small
They can have large positive charges
Define the term ligand
A small molecule with a lone pair that can form a bond to a transition metal (normally a co-ordinate bond)
Give some examples of common Ligands
H20, NH3, Cl-, CN-
Define the term complex
A combination of the transition metal ion and a ligand