5.1.3.2 Typical Properties

Question 1

What are the typical properties of all transition metals?

Answer 1

• have ions with many different charges
• form coloured compounds
• useful as catalysts

Question 2

What are chromium’s typical properties (Cr)?

Answer 2

• ion charges: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
• colours of compounds: blue +2, green +3, orange +6
• uses as a catalyst: none

Question 3

What are manganese’s typical properties (Mn)?

Answer 3

• ion charges: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7
• colours of compounds: light pink +2, red +4, green +6, lilac +7
• uses as a catalyst: decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (2H2O2 -> 2H2O + O2)

Question 4

What are iron’s typical properties (Fe)?

Answer 4

• ion charges: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
• colours of compounds: green +2, yellow +3
• uses as a catalyst: haber process (N2 + 3H2 ↔ 2NH3)

Question 5

What are colbalt’s typical properties (Co)?

Answer 5

• ion charges: +2, +3, +4, +5
• colours of compounds: hot pink +2, green +3
• uses as a catalyst: none

Question 6

What are nickel’s typical properties (Ni)?

Answer 6

• ion charges: +2, +3, +4
• colours of compounds: green +2
• uses as a catalyst: manufacture of margarine (adding H2 to double bonds)

Question 7

What are copper’s typical properties (Cu)?

Answer 7

• ion charges: +1, +2, +3
• colours of compounds: blue +2
• uses as a catalyst: none