Properties of Transition Metal Compounds - NOT FINISHED

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Physical Properties

shiny

high densities

high melting and boiling points

when solid are giant metallic lattices containing delocalised electrons, so conduct electricity

Examples: nickel is alloyed with copper for making 'silver' coins

titanium is a component of joint replacement parts

iron used to make telephone boxes and post boxes or is alloyed for use in construction

Transition elements form compounds in which the transition metal has different oxidation states. These compounds form coloured solutions when dissolved in water and frequently catalyse chemical reactions. These properties are a result of the electron configurations of the transition elements - in particular, partially filled d-orbitals.

Variable Oxidation States

The transition elements from titanium to copper all form ions with two or more oxidation states. They all form compounds with ions in the +2 oxidation state. In most cases, this is the result of losing the two electrons from the 4s orbital. The 4s electrons are lost first because they occupy the highest energy level. However because the 3d and 4s energy levels are so close in energy, the 3d electrons can also be lost when an atom forms a stable ion.

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