The Periodic Table: Transition Elements

Transition Elements

Transition elements refer to the elements in the middle block of the Periodic Table, specifically Groups 3-12.
They are all metals with similar properties such as high melting points, high densities, and the ability to form coloured compounds.
Unlike other elements, transition metals have multiple oxidation states. This means they can form different types of ions and compounds.

Generally, transition metals are hard, ductile, and malleable. Most of them are resistant to corrosion and wear.
They are excellent conductors of heat and electricity, which is why they are often used in electrical wires and cooking utensils.
Transition metals tend to have a shiny appearance or lustre and are often used in jewellery making.

Most transition elements can form coloured compounds due to their variable oxidation states. This colour varies depending on the specific transition metal and its oxidation state.
Transition metals are often used as catalysts due to their ability to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed themselves.
They frequently form complex ions where other ions or molecules coordinate (bond) to the metal ion. This property is due to the small size of the cations, relatively large charge and availability of d sub-level electrons for bonding.

Transition metals characteristically exhibit more than one oxidation state. This is in contrast to other metals that usually have only one oxidation state.
Lower oxidation states are likely to be found when the metal is bonded to non-metals such as oxygen or fluorine, and in the higher oxidation states, they are usually covalently bonded to other transition metals or carbon monoxide.
Transition metals are capable of losing not only the s electrons in their outer shell but also some of their d electrons from the inner shell when they form ions.

Due to the unique properties of transition metals, they find a lot of applications in industrial, medicinal, and technological fields.
For example, Iron (Fe) is used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength, Nickel (Ni) is used in batteries, and Copper (Cu) is used in electrical wiring due to its excellent electrical conductivity.
Compounds of transition metals, like Cobalt (Co), are used in paint and ink production due to their ability to produce vibrant colours.