Transition Elements Flashcards
Electron configuration Chromium (24)
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d5 4s1
Electron configuration Copper (29)
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s1
Properties of transition elements
- Coloured compounds
- Act as a catalyst
- Form complex ions/Ligand substitution
- Variable oxidation states
Colour of Co2+ in solution
Pink
Colour of Fe2+ in solution
Pale green
Colour of Fe3+ in solution
Yellow
Colour of Cu2+ in solution
Blue
Colour of Co2+ complex hydroxide precipitate and equation
Blue which turns beige in the presence of air
+ 2OH- -> (H2O)4(OH)2 + 2H2O
Colour of Fe2+ hydroxide precipitate and equation
Green, then turns brick red in presence of O2
Colour of Fe3+ hydroxide precipitate and equation
Brick red/ rusty brown
Colour of Cu2+ hydroxide precipitate and equation
Blue
What is a bidentate ligand?
A ligand which can donate two lone pairs of electrons to the central metal ion to form coordinate bonds
Ligand substitution in complexes:
Cu 2+ and ammonia, first a small amount then in excess
A small amount: pale blue precip. of Cu(OH)2
Excess: precip. dissolves, deep blue solution + 4NH3 [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ + 4H2O
Cu 2+ and hydrochloric acid
Initially turns green then yellow solution
+ 4Cl- equil. [CuCl4]2- + 6H2O
Co 2+ and conc. hydrochloric acid
Dark blue solution
+ 4Cl- equil. [CoCl4]2- + 6H2O
Co 2+ and ammonia
Small amount: = 2NH3 -> (H2O)4(OH)2 + 2NH4+ green precip
Excess: start from same complex ion, + 6NH3 -> []6NH3 2+ + 6H2O beige then black on standing
What is a transition element?
A d block element that forms an ion with an incomplete in d sub-shell.
Why does 4s sub shell fill before 3d sub-shell and which electrons are lost first?
Has a lower energy. 4s electrons are lost first
Explanation for unusual electron config.s of chromium and copper
More energetically favorable arrangement as lower energy so more stable.
Transition metal uses
Nickel alloyed w. copper for making silver coins, titanium in joint replacement parts, iron alloyed for construction
Trend in atomic radii and IE
Little variation as electrons are added to inner 3d sub-shell not outer 4s sub-shell which affects atomic radii. Nuclear charge increases but IE doesn’t increase by much due to pretty much same shielding and atomic radii
Why are they denser than s block elements?
Smaller ions. Strong bonding between them pulling them close together, greater masses.
Why high melting point?
More delocalisable electrons - greater ion charge
Why variable oxidation states?
They have a number of electrons with similar ionisation energies.
How act as catalyst?
Provide a surface for reaction to take place on. Reactants adsorbed, products desorbed.
Ability to gain or lose electrons means that they can bind to reactants forming an intermediate as part of a chemical pathway with a lower activation energy
Example of transition metals as catalysts
Iron metal in haber process
V2O5 in contact process
Nickel in hydrogenation of alkenes
MnO2 in decomp. of hydrogen peroxide
How and why coloured compounds?
Need to have partially filled d sub-shells (promote d electrons from lower energy levels to higher energy levels, requiring electrons to be promoted and spaces to promote them into). Colour observed is mixture of wavelengths not absorbed.