Transition elements Flashcards
What are d-block elements?
Elements with electrons in in the d subshell
What order do the 3d and 4s subshells fill in?
4s fills first, then 3d
What order do the 3d and 4s subshells empty in?
4s empties first, then 3d
What are the exceptions in electron configuration of d block elements?
Copper and chromium
What is the electron configuration of copper?
[Ar] 4s(1)3d(10)
What is the electron configuration of chromium?
[Ar] 4s(1)3d(5)
Why do Cu and Cr have unusual electron configurations?
It is more energetically favourable to have a full, or half full, 3d orbital, as the 4s and 3d orbitals are very close in energy level.
Define a transition element.
A d-block element that forms at least one ion with an incomplete d subshell.
Why are Zn and Sc not transition elements?
Zn only forms Zn 2+ which has a full d subshell
Sc only forms Sc 3+ which had an empty d subshell
Which d block elements are not transition elements?
Zinc and scandium
What are the three key properties of transition elements?
Various oxidation states
Form coloured compounds
Can act as catalysts
What are complex ions?
Ions formed when a central metal ion is bonded via co-ordinate bonds to surrounding ligands.
What are ligands?
A molecule that donates an electron pair to a central metal ion to form a co-ordinate bond
What are co-ordinate bonds?
Dative covalent bonds between metal ions and ligands in complex ions.
Which metals form square planar complex ions?
Platinum, palladium, gold and sometimes nickel.
What colour is [Cu(H2O)6]2+ ?
A pale blue solution
What colour is CuSO4?
Blue crystals
Give the equation for the dissolution of copper sulphate.
CuSO4 (s) + aqua ——> [Cu(H2O)6]2+ (aq) + SO4 2- (aq)
What colour is Cu(OH)2 ?
Pale blue ppt
What colour is [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ ?
Dark blue solution
Give the equation for the reaction of aqueous Cu 2+ with excess aqueous ammonia.
[Cu(H2O)6]2+ (aq) + 4NH3 (aq) —–> [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ (aq) +4H2O (l)