Transition Metals Flashcards
What is a transition metal?
Transition metals are d block elements that can form at least one stable ion with an incomplete d sub-level.
Variable oxidation states
Transition metals can form a number of stable ions, each with the metal in a different oxidation state.
What is ligand?
Is any atom, ion or molecule which can donate a pair of electrons to a metal ion. Ligands are Lewis bases and nucleophiles.
What is a multidentate ligand?
Multidentate ligands contain more than two atoms that donate pairs of electrons to form coordinate bonds.
What is a bidentate ligands?
Bidentate ligands contain two atoms that donate pairs of electrons to form coordinate bonds.
What is a coordination number?
The coordination number is the number of coordinate bonds to the metal ion. This is different to the oxidation state of the metal ion or complex.
What is a complex?
A complex consists of a central metal ion surrounded by ligands forming coordinate bonds with the ion. [Cu(H2O)6]+2
What are cis-trans isomerism?
Cis–trans isomerism occurs because the ligands cannot rotate around the central metal ion. Different stereoisomers can have different chemical properties.
What is an optical isomerism?
Another form of stereoisomerism is optical isomerism, in which a molecule can exist as two forms that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, just like a left hand and right hand.
