General Properties of Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements that are found in Groups 3 to 12 of the Periodic Table.
They are characterised by their ability to form at least one stable ion with an incomplete d-subshell.
Transition metals typically have high melting points and high densities due to the strength of the metallic bonds holding their atoms together.
They are good conductors of heat and electricity, which is why they are often used in wiring and in heat sinks.
Transition metals have high lustre and are generally shiny, with many of them appearing silver or grey in colour.
Every transition metal, excluding mercury, is solid at room temperature, adding to their usefulness in construction and technology.
They exhibit variable oxidation states, meaning they can lose different numbers of electrons and form different ions, providing them with unique chemical reactivity.
Transition metals form colourful compounds due to the d-d transition of the d-block electrons when they absorb light. This property can be utilised in assorted applications such as colouring agents.
They often act as catalysts in chemical reactions due to their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and help speed up the reactions without being used up themselves.
The transition metals also demonstrate the unique property of forming complexes with other substances. This property is especially useful in their role as catalysts.
Lastly, these metals are less reactive than alkali metals and can be found in nature in their native, uncombined states. However, some are more reactive and are often found in ores and require extraction.

Revision of these properties forms a fundamental understanding of the characteristics of transition metals, which is necessary for the Metals and their Extraction module.