Topic 15 - Transition Metals Flashcards
Where in the periodic table can you find transition metals?
In the d-block (middle, bottom block).
Are all d-block elements transition metals?
No, but most are.
Which transition metals do you need to know about mostly?
The ones in the first row (titanium to copper).
Define transition metals.
d-block elements that can form one or more stable ions with incompletely filled d-orbitals.
Which elements in the first row of the d-block are not transition metals?
Scandium and zinc
Why are scandium and zinc not transition metals?
- Transition metals are those that form one or more stable ions with INCOMPLETELY FILLED d-orbitals.
- Scandium -> Forms only Sc³⁺, which has no d electrons
- Zinc -> Forms only Zn²⁺, which has a full d subshell
Why does zinc keep a full d subshell when it forms its ion?
It loses the 2 electrons from the 4s subshell, so its d subshell remains full.
How many orbitals does the d subshell have?
5 orbitals (so it can hold 10 electrons)
Write down the electronic configuration of titanium.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d² 4s²
Which transition metals have unusual electronic configurations?
Chromium and copper
Write down the electronic configuration of chromium.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵ 4s¹
Write down the electronic configuration of copper.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
What must you remember about the 3d and 4s subshells?
The 4s fills up before the 3d.
Explain the unusual electronic configuration of chromium.
- 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵ 4s¹
- The second electron from the 4s subshell is donated to the 3d subshell to make it half-full
- This gives extra stability
Explain the unusual electronic configuration of copper.
- 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
- The second electron from the 4s subshell is donated to the 3d subshell to make it full
- This gives extra stability
Write down the electronic configuration of Cu²⁺.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁹
When transition metals form positive ions, which electrons are removed first?
s electrons (them d electrons)
Titanium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d² 4s². Give the electronic configuration of Ti²⁺.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d²
Titanium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d² 4s². Give the electronic configuration of Ti³⁺.
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹
What must you remember about the 3d and 4s subshells in transition metals?
1) The 4s subshell fills up before the 3d subshell.
2) When forming ions, electrons are lost first from the 4s subshell, then the 3d subshell.
Remember to practise writing out the electronic configuration (and electron diagrams) for all of the transition metals.
See diagram pg 168 of revision guide
Can transition metals form only one stable ion?
No, most can form many.
How can you express the idea that transition metals can form multiple stable ions?
Transition metals have variable oxidation numbers.
What condition must be met in order to form a compound or complex containing an ion with a certain oxidation number?
The energy given out when the ion forms the compound or complex needs to be greater than the energy taken to remove the outer electrons and form the ion (ionisation energy).