ChemistryCode 9701
General physical and chemical properties of the first row of transition elements, titanium to copper
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- define what is meant by a transition element: a d-block element that produces one or more stable ions containing incomplete d orbitals
- sketch how the 3dxy and 3dz² orbitals are shaped in space
- understand that transition elements display the following characteristics: (a) oxidation states that can vary (b) acting as catalysts (c) producing complex ions (d) producing compounds that are coloured
- account for the existence of variable oxidation states in transition elements by reference to the near-equal energies of the 3d and 4s sub-shells
- explain why transition elements act as catalysts: they have two or more stable oxidation states, and they have vacant d orbitals which are energetically accessible and able to form dative bonds to ligands
- explain why transition elements form complex ions, by reference to their vacant, energetically accessible d orbitals