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NEET Exam  >  NEET Notes  >  Short Notes  >  Short Notes: d and f-Block Elements

Short Notes: d and f-Block Elements

d-Block Elements (Transition Elements)

  • Definition: Elements with incompletely filled d-orbitals in ground state or common oxidation states
  • Electronic Configuration: (n-1)d1-10ns1-2
  • Series:
    • 3d: Sc to Zn
    • 4d: Y to Cd
    • 5d: La, Hf to Hg
    • 6d: Ac, Rf to Cn

General Properties of Transition Elements

PropertyCharacteristics
Metallic CharacterAll are metals, hard, high melting/boiling points
Atomic SizeDecreases initially, then almost constant (d-orbital shielding)
Ionization EnthalpyIncreases across period (irregular)
Oxidation StatesVariable (due to comparable energies of (n-1)d and ns orbitals)
DensityHigh density
Magnetic PropertiesMostly paramagnetic (unpaired electrons)

Characteristic Properties

  • Variable Oxidation States:
    • Show multiple oxidation states differing by 1
    • Higher oxidation states: oxides and fluorides
    • Lower oxidation states: carbonyl and nitrosyl complexes
  • Color:
    • Due to d-d transitions (absorption of visible light)
    • Sc3+, Ti4+, Zn2+ colorless (d0 or d10)
  • Catalytic Activity:
    • Ability to adopt multiple oxidation states
    • Form unstable intermediates
    • Examples: Fe (Haber process), V2O5 (Contact process), Ni (hydrogenation)
  • Complex Formation:
    • High charge/size ratio
    • Vacant d-orbitals to accept electron pairs
  • Interstitial Compounds:
    • Small atoms (H, C, N) trapped in crystal lattice
    • Harder, more rigid than pure metals
  • Alloy Formation:
    • Similar atomic sizes allow mixing

Important Compounds of Transition Elements

Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7)

  • Preparation: 4FeCr2O4 + 8Na2CO3 + 7O2 → 8Na2CrO4 + 2Fe2O3 + 8CO2
  • 2Na2CrO4 + 2H+ → Na2Cr2O7 + 2Na+ + H2O
  • Na2Cr2O7 + 2KCl → K2Cr2O7 + 2NaCl
  • Properties: Orange crystals, strong oxidizing agent
  • Oxidizing reactions:
    • In acidic medium: Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6e- → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
    • With FeSO4: K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 6FeSO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3Fe2(SO4)3 + 7H2O

Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4)

  • Preparation: 2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 → 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
  • 3MnO42- + 4H+ → 2MnO4- + MnO2 + 2H2O
  • Properties: Dark purple crystals, strong oxidizing agent
  • Oxidizing reactions:
    • Acidic medium: MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- → Mn2+ + 4H2O (pink to colorless)
    • Neutral/alkaline: MnO4- + 2H2O + 3e- → MnO2 + 4OH- (purple to brown)

Lanthanoids (4f series)

  • Elements: Ce (58) to Lu (71)
  • Electronic Configuration: [Xe]4f1-145d0-16s2
  • Lanthanoid Contraction:
    • Steady decrease in atomic and ionic radii with increasing atomic number
    • Cause: Poor shielding by 4f electrons
    • Consequences:
      • Similarity in properties of second and third transition series
      • Difficulty in separation of lanthanoids
      • Decrease in basic strength of hydroxides
  • Oxidation State: Predominantly +3
  • Color: Colored ions (f-f transitions)
  • Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic (except La3+ and Lu3+)

Actinoids (5f series)

  • Elements: Th (90) to Lr (103)
  • Electronic Configuration: [Rn]5f1-146d0-17s2
  • Actinoid Contraction: Similar to lanthanoid contraction
  • Oxidation States: Variable (+3, +4, +5, +6, +7)
  • Radioactivity: All are radioactive

Lanthanoids vs Actinoids

PropertyLanthanoidsActinoids
Orbitals Filled4f5f
Oxidation StatesMainly +3Variable (+3 to +7)
RadioactivityOnly Pm radioactiveAll radioactive
Complex FormationLess tendencyGreater tendency
Magnetic MomentLess than actinoidsHigher
NEET Focus:
  • Electronic configurations of 3d elements
  • Variable oxidation states and color
  • K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4 oxidizing reactions
  • Lanthanoid contraction and its consequences
  • Differences between lanthanoids and actinoids
  • Catalytic properties and examples
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FAQs on Short Notes: d and f-Block Elements

1. What are d-block elements and their significance in chemistry?
Ans. d-block elements, also known as transition metals, are those elements found in groups 3 to 12 of the periodic table. They are significant because they exhibit unique properties such as variable oxidation states, the ability to form complex ions, and catalytic activities. These elements play crucial roles in various industrial processes and biological systems.
2. How do f-block elements differ from d-block elements?
Ans. f-block elements comprise the lanthanides and actinides, situated at the bottom of the periodic table. Unlike d-block elements, which have their outermost electrons in d orbitals, f-block elements have their outermost electrons in f orbitals. This difference in electron configuration contributes to their unique properties, such as radioactivity in actinides and the formation of coloured compounds in lanthanides.
3. What are the common oxidation states of d-block elements?
Ans. D-block elements commonly exhibit multiple oxidation states, typically ranging from +1 to +7. For instance, iron (Fe) can exist in +2 and +3 oxidation states, while manganese (Mn) can show oxidation states from +2 to +7. This variability is due to the involvement of d electrons in bonding and the energy levels of the d orbitals.
4. What role do d-block and f-block elements play in catalysis?
Ans. D-block and f-block elements are often used as catalysts in various chemical reactions due to their ability to change oxidation states and form complex ions. Transition metals like platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) are commonly used in catalytic converters in vehicles, while certain lanthanides are utilised in industrial catalysis for processes such as cracking and polymerisation.
5. What are some applications of f-block elements in technology?
Ans. F-block elements have several important applications in technology. For example, lanthanides like neodymium are used in strong permanent magnets, while europium and terbium are essential for phosphors in LED lights and screens. Additionally, actinides like uranium and plutonium are crucial for nuclear energy production.
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Apr 17, 2026 Last updated
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