I2: 23 The Transition Metals Flashcards
Why do the transition metals have their characteristics?
Due to their incomplete d sub-level in atoms or ions.
List the characteristics of the transition metals.
- complex formation
- formation of coloured ions
- variable oxidation state
- catalytic activity
What is the definition of a transition metal?
A metal that forms one or more stable ions with a partially filled d sub-level.
What are the physical properties of the transition metals?
- high density
- high mp and bp
- almost the same ionic radii
What is the definition of a ligand?
A molecule or ion that forms a co-ordinate bond with a transition metal by donating a pair of electrons.
What is the definition of a complex?
A central metal atom or ion surrounded by ligands, co-ordinately bonded to it..
What is the definition of a co-ordination number?
The number of co-ordinate bonds to the central metal atom or ion.
What are common monodentate ligands?
- H2O
- NH3
- Cl-
What are the similar characteristics of H2O and NH3?
- similar in size
- uncharged
How does the co-ordination number change when NH3 and H2O are exchanged?
No change.
How is the Cl- ligand different to H2O and NH3?
Cl- is larger
What happens to the co-ordination number when H2O and Cl- are exchanged?
It may change.
What are bidentate ligands?
Ligands that can form two co-ordinate bonds.
What are multidentate ligands?
Ligands that can form more than one co-ordinate bond.
What is haem?
An iron(II) complex with a multidentate ligand.
What allows oxygen to be transported in the blood?
Oxygen forms a co-ordinate bond to Fe(II) in haemoglobin.
Why is carbon monoxide toxic?
It replaces oxygen (co-ordinately bonded to Fe(II) in haemoglobin).
What is the chelate effect?
When bidentate and multidentate ligands replace monodentate ligands from complexes.
Explain the chelate effect.
The enthalpy change for a ligand exchange reaction is usually very small.
Ligand exchange reactions are reversible but the equilibrium lies so far to the right as complexes with multidentate ligands are much more stable.
The increase in stability is the chelate effect - it’s why multidentate ligands always form much more stable complexes than monodentate ligands.
When monodentate ligands are substituted with multidentate ligands, the number of particles in solution increases - the entropy increases. Reactions that result in an increase in entropy are more likely to occur.
It’s difficult to reverse these reactions because it would cause a decrease in entropy.
What shape complex do transition metal ions commonly form with small ligands?
Octahedral complexes.
What can octahedral complexes with monodentate ligands display?
Cis-trans isomerism.
What can octahedral complexes with bidentate ligands display?
Optical isomerism.