5.3 Transition metals Flashcards
What is a transition element (metal)?
a d-block element that has an incomplete d-sub-shell as a stable ion
Which d-block elements are not transition metals and why?
- scandium and zinc
- they do no have ions with partially filled d-orbitals
Which elements have irregular orbital filling patterns?
CHROMIUM - the five 3d-orbitals and the 4s orbital all contain one electron
COPPER - the five 3d orbitals are full, there is only one electron in the 4s orbital
Which electrons do transition element ions lose first?
4s before 3d because, once electrons occupy the orbitals, the 4s electrons have a higher energy and are lost first
Physical properties of transition metals
- lustrous in appearance
- high densities
- high melting and boiling points
- can conduct electricity
Chemical properties of transition metals
- different oxidation states
- form coloured solutions when dissolved in water
- often used as catalysts
Are transition metals powerful reducing or oxidising agents?
oxidising
Example of disproportiation reaction of transition metal
adding hot dilute sulphuric acid to copper (I) oxide we form blue solution of Cu (II) sulphate and brown precipitate of copper solid
Cu2O + H2SO4 = Cu + CuSO4 + H2O
Why are different colours associated with transition metals?
movement of electrons in partially filled d-orbitals
Two ways transition metals act as catalysts
- provide a surface for reaction to take place (atoms absorb onto surface and held in place)
- can change their oxidation states (bind to reactants and form intermediates)
Disadvantages of using transition metals as catalysts in industry
- can be toxic or damaging to environment
- must be disposed of carefully
Describe Haber process reaction and catalyst
N2 + 3H2 = 2NH3 iron metal (increases rate and lower temp) ammonia used for agricultural fetilisers
Describe contact process reaction and catalyst
2SO2(g) + O2(g) = 2SO3 (g)
vanadium (V) oxide, V2O5
What is SO3 from the contact process used for?
To manufacture sulfuric acid which is use for:
- fertilisers
- detergents
- adhesives
- explosives
- electrolyte in car batteries
Describe decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and catalyst
2H2O2 = 2H2O +O2
manganese (IV) oxide, MnO2
What is decomposition of hydrogen peroxide used for?
preparation of oxygen gas
Describe hydrogen production and catalyst
Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) = ZnSO4(aq) + H2 (g)
CuSO4 catalyst`
What is a complex ion?
a transition metal ion bonded to one or more ligands by coordinate (dative covalent bonds)
What is a ligand?
a molecule or ion that can donate a pair of electrons to the transition metal ion to form a coordinate bond
What is the coordination number?
the total number of coordinate bonds formed between a central metal ion and its ligands
When are complex ions formed?
When transition metal compounds are present in a solution
What is a monodentate ligand?
the ligand donates just one pair of electrons to the central metal ion to form one coordinate bond
What monodentate Ligands do we need to know?
OH2 (water)
NH3 (ammonia)
Chloride Cl-
What are bidentate ligands?
have two pairs of electrons from different atoms to donate to the central metal so two coordinate bonds can form
What is the most common bidentate ligand and what is it shortened to?
ethane-1,2-diamine, NH2CH2CH2NH2
shortened to ‘en’
each nitrogen donates a lone pair
How many coordinate bonds does a octahedral complex have and what are the bond angles?
6
90 or 180
Why can only four chloride ligands fit around the metal ion?
they are big
What complexes do chloride ions form?
tetrahedral
What is a square planar complex?
Where four monodentate ligands arrange themselves in the same plane at the metal atom
Define stereoisomerism
species with them same structural formula but with a different arrangement of atoms in space
What are the two types of stereoisomerism in transitional element chemistry?
cis-trans isomerism
optical isomerism