Characteristic Properties of Transition Elements
Transition elements have 4 distinct properties that distinguish them from s-block metals:
- Variable Oxidation States
- Behave as Catalysts
- Form Complex Ions
- Form Coloured Compounds
Variable Oxidation States
Why do Transition Elements have Variable Oxidation States?
- The
and subshells are similar in energy. - Electrons can be lost from both sub-shells with relatively similar amounts of ionisation energy.
Behaviour as Catalysts
Why do Transition Elements act as Catalysts?
- They have more than one stable oxidation state. (allowing them to act as homogenous catalysts by transferring electrons)
- They have vacant d orbitals that are energetically accessible allowing them to form dative bonds with ligands. (acting as heterogeneous catalysts by adsorbing reactants).
Formation of Complex Ions
Why Transition Elements can form Complex Ions?
- The possess vacant d orbitals that are energetically accessible (Allowing them to accept lone pairs of electrons from ligands to form dative covalent bonds.)
Formation of Coloured Compounds
See pream