Transition Elements Flashcards
A d-block element is an element that:
Have their highest energy electron in a d sub-shell
A transition element is a d-block element that:
Forms an ion with an incomplete d sub-shell
Explain why two of the d-block elements in period 4 (Sc - Zn) are not transition elements (use electron configurations in your answer) :
Sc is not a transition element as its ion has an empty sub-shell.
Sc^3+ : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6
Zn is not a transition element as it has a complete d sub-shell in its only ion.
Zn^2+ : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10
What is chromium’s electron configuration?
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 3d5
What is copper’s electron configuration?
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 3d10
What is Cu^2+ ion electron configuration?
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d9
What is Fe^3+ ion electron configuration?
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d5
What sub-shell are electrons lost from first ?
4s sub-shell
Transition elements have typical metallic physical properties. Typical properties of transition elements (that make them different from other metals) are chemical properties, these are:
- Variable oxidation states
- Act as catalysts
- Form coloured compounds.
Transition elements are effective catalysts as they can change…
… Oxidation states.
Give an example of a process that uses the transition element nickel as a catalyst and give an equation.
Process: hydrogenation of alkenes
Ni
C2H4 + H2 —-> C2H6
Give an example of a process that uses the transition element iron as a catalyst and give an equation.
Process: Haber process
N2(g) + 3H2(g) —–> 2NH3(g)
(reversible reaction)
Give an example of a process that uses the transition element MnO2 as a catalyst and give an equation.
Process: Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
2H2O(aq) —-> O2(g) + 2H2O(l)
A complex ion is a transition metal ion bonded to:
one or more ligands by coordinate (dative covalent) bonds
A ligand is:
A molecule or ion that can donate a pair of electrons to form a coordinate bond with the transition metal ion.