Four series of elements are formed by filling the 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d subshells of electrons. Collectively these
comprise the d-block elements
GENERAL TRENDS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF TRANSITION ELEMENTS
The atomic radii of the transition metals lie in-between those of s- and p-block elements. The covalent radii
of the elements decreases from left to right across a row in the transition series
The melting and boiling points of the transition series elements are generally very high. The
melting points of the transition elements rise to a maximum and then fall as the atomic
number increases. Manganese and technetium have abnormally low melting points
The atomic volumes of the transition elements are low compared with the elements of
group 1 and 2. This is because the increased nuclear charge is poorly screened and so
attracts all the electrons more strongly
Ionisation energies or Ionisation enthalpies
The transition metals exhibit a large number of oxidation states. With the exception of a few elements, most of
these show variable oxidation states. These different oxidation states are related to the electronic configuration
of their atoms
The transition metals exhibit a large number of oxidation states. With the exception of a few elements, most of
these show variable oxidation states. These different oxidation states are related to the electronic configuration
of their atoms
The magnitude of ionization enthalpy gives the amount of energy required to remove electrons to
form a particular oxidation state of the metal in a compound
In addition to ionisation enthalpy, the other factors such as enthalpy of sublimation, hydration enthalpy, ionisation
enthalpy etc. determine the stability of a particular oxidation state in solution. This can be explained in terms of
their electrode potential values
In addition to ionisation enthalpy, the other factors such as enthalpy of sublimation, hydration enthalpy, ionisation
enthalpy etc. determine the stability of a particular oxidation state in solution. This can be explained in terms of
their electrode potential values. The oxidation potential of a metal involves the following process
Except copper and zinc, all other elements of first transition series show
