The D-block Elements

Question 1

What are the two anomalous configurations?

Answer 1

Chromium (Cr)
Copper (Cu)
They have an electron promoted from the 4s subshell to the 3d subshell to avoid having the extra repulsion of paired electrons in 4s.

Question 2

What are the similarities across the d-block elements?

Answer 2

• across the d-block the elements are similar in properties. Extra e- being added to 3d subshell.
• the d-block metals are all strong, hard, durable and dense metals with a high mp.
• they have a particularly strong metallic bonding, they can donate some of the 4s e- and some 3d e- into the “sea” of delocalised electrons

Question 3

Define transition metal

Answer 3

A transition metal is an element which forms at least one stable ion with a partially filled d subshell.

Question 4

What are the four special properties of transition metals?

Answer 4

• show a variety of oxidation states in their compound (ie readily change oxidation state)
• catalysts; the elements and/or their compounds often show catalytic activity
• their compounds tend to be coloured
• strong tendency to form complex ions