(a) Comment on the following tendencies of transition elements of first series:
(i) They exhibit variable oxidation states.
(ii) They easily form alloys.
(iii) They often act as catalyst.
(b) State the different characteristic of actinoids and lanthanoids which places them in f-block elements.
(c) How many unpaired electrons are there in Ni2+(aq)?
i) The ability of the transition metals to exhibit variable valency is generally attributed to the availability of more electrons in the (n-1)d orbitals which are closer to the outermost ns orbital in energy levels.
ii) An alloy is a blend of metals prepared by mixing the components. Alloys may be homogeneous solid solutions in which the atoms of one metal are distributed randomly among the atoms of the other.
iii) Transition metals acts as catalyst due to the following reasons:
(a) Their partially empty d-orbitals provide surface area for reactant molecules.
(b) They combine with reactant molecules to form transition states and lowers their activation energy.
(c) They show multiple oxidation states and by giving electrons to reactants they form complexes and lower their energies.
b)
Characteristics |
Lanthanoids |
Actinides |
(a) Electronic configuration |
It may be represented by [Xe]4fx 5dy 6s2, where x varies from 0 to 14 and y = 0 or 1. |
It may be represented by [Rn]5fx 6dy 7s2,where x varies from 0 to 14 and y = 0 or 1. |
(b) Oxidation state
|
Show +3 oxidation state only except in few cases where it is +2 or +4. They never show more than +4 state. |
Show higher oxidation states such as +4, +5, +6, +7 also in addition to +3.
|
(c) atomic and ionic sizes
|
The ionic radii of M3+ ions in lanthanoids series show a regular decrease in size of ions with increase in atomic number. This decrease is known as lanthanoid contraction. |
There is a greater and gradual decrease in the size of atoms or M3+ ions across the series. This greater decrease is known as actinoid contraction.
|
(d) Chemical reactivity |
These are less reactive metals and form oxides, sulphides, nitrides, hydroxides and halides etc. These also form H2 with acids. They show a lesser tendency for complex formation |
These are highly reactive metals especially when are in finely divided state. They form a mixture of oxide and hydride by action of boiling water. They combine with non-metals even at moderate temperature. They show a greater tendency for complex formation. |
Account for the following:
(a) Transition elements have high boiling point and high enthalpy of atomisation.
(b) Zn, Cd, Hg are normally not regarded as transition elements.
(c) Transition metals generally form alloys with other transition metals.
(d) Transition metals form a number of interstitial compounds.
(e) Ni2+ compounds are thermodynamically more stable than Pt2+ compounds.
(i) What are inner transition elements? Write their general electronic configuration.
(ii) The chemistry of the actinoid elements is not so smooth as that of the Lanthanoids. Justify this statement by giving some examples from the oxidation state of these elements?
Describe the general characteristics of the transition elements with special reference to their tendency to
(i) exhibit paramagnetism, (ii) form complex compounds, (iii) their catalytic behaviour.
What are the transition elements? Write two characteristics of the transition elements ?
How would you account for the following?
Actinoid contraction is greater than lanthanoid contraction.
Which metal in the first transition series (3d series) exhibits + 1 oxidation state most frequently and why?
Which of the following cations are coloured in aqueous solutions and why?
Sc3+, V3+, Ti4+, Mn2+ (Atomic number Sc = 21, V = 23, Ti = 22, Mn = 25)