Transition Elements | Chemistry for Grade 11 (IGCSE) PDF Download

Transition Elements

General properties of the transition elements

• They are very hard and strong metals and are good conductors of heat and electricity 
• They have very high melting points and are highly dense metals 
• For instance, titanium has a melting point of 1,688°C, significantly higher than potassium in Group I which melts at only 63.5°C, just a bit warmer than a cup of hot chocolate!
• Transition elements are known for forming colored compounds and often exhibit more than one oxidation state. For example, iron can readily form compounds of both Fe₂ and Fe₃. 
• These colored compounds contribute to the pigments found in various paints as well as the hues of gemstones and rocks.
• Transition elements, whether in their elemental form or as compounds, are frequently employed as catalysts to enhance reaction rates in industrial processes. Catalysts like platinum or rhodium, which are transition elements, are utilized in catalytic converters in vehicles to reduce the levels of nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide emissions.
• The transition elements on the Periodic Table:
  

Transition Elements Oxidation Numbers

• The transition elements exhibit multiple oxidation numbers, enabled by their capacity to shed varying numbers of electrons contingent upon their chemical surroundings. 
• For instance: iron either:
  • Iron can either lose two electrons to generate Fe²⁺, representing an oxidation state of +2, or shed three electrons to form Fe³⁺, signifying an oxidation state of +3. 
• Compounds containing transition elements in diverse oxidation states exhibit distinct properties and colors.

 Uses of the transition elements

• Transition elements serve widely as catalysts owing to their capacity to transition between various oxidation states.
• This flexibility enables them to create complexes with reagents that readily donate and accept electrons in chemical reactions.
• Their applications extend to medicine and surgical procedures, including limb and joint replacements where titanium's high biocompatibility facilitates bone bonding.
• Additionally, they contribute to the production of colored compounds for dyes, paints, and stained glass jewelry.