Transition Metals - Variable Oxidation States (A-Level Chemistry)
Variable Oxidation States
Variable Oxidation States in Transition Metals
3d and 4s sub-shells
One of the properties of transition metals is that they have variable oxidation states.
In a transition metal atom, once the 3d subshell is occupied with electrons, the electrons in the 4s subshell increases to a higher energy.
The 4s subshell electrons are lost first when transition metal atoms react.
A commonly occurring oxidation state is therefore +2. As 3d electrons can be lost as well, this leads to transition metals having a variety of oxidation states. The maximum oxidation state involves all 4s and all 3d electrons.
Common Oxidation States of Transition Metals
The table shows the most common oxidation states of transition metals in period 4:
In the lower oxidation states the transition metals actually exist as simple ions.
In higher oxidation states, the metals are covalently bonded to oxygen, for example, in the manganate (VII) ion, MnO4-.
At the end of the row +2 oxidation states predominate because as nuclear charge increases, 3d electrons become increasingly hard to remove.
FAQs
Transition metals are a group of elements located in the middle of the periodic table, characterized by having partly filled d orbitals in their outer electron shell. They are known for their unique properties and are used in a wide range of applications, including electronics, medicine, and construction.
Variable oxidation states refer to the ability of an element to form ions with different charges by losing or gaining electrons. This property is particularly notable in transition metals, which can exhibit a range of oxidation states in different compounds.
Transition metals are known for having variable oxidation states because they have partly filled d orbitals in their outer electron shell, which allows them to form a range of ions with different charges. This property is unique to transition metals and sets them apart from other elements in the periodic table.
Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states by losing or gaining electrons to form ions with different charges. This is due to the partly filled d orbitals in their outer electron shell, which allows them to form a range of ions with different oxidation states.
Some examples of transition metals with variable oxidation states include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). These elements can form ions with a range of charges, from Fe2+ to Fe3+, for example.
The ability of transition metals to exhibit variable oxidation states affects their properties in a number of ways. For example, the different oxidation states can lead to different colors, magnetic properties, and reactivity, making them useful in a wide range of applications.
Some real-world applications of transition metals with variable oxidation states include their use in electronics, medicine, and construction. For example, iron is used in the production of steel, while copper is used in electrical wiring, and manganese is used in the production of batteries.
Transition metals with variable oxidation states can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. On the one hand, they are used in a wide range of sustainable technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels. On the other hand, the extraction and processing of these metals can result in environmental pollution, such as the release of heavy metals into the air and water.
Some challenges associated with the use of transition metals with variable oxidation states include their scarcity and the high cost of extraction and processing. Additionally, some transition metals, such as chromium and nickel, are toxic and can cause health problems if they are not handled properly.
The study of transition metals with variable oxidation states is relevant to A-Level Chemistry students because it provides a deeper understanding of the properties and reactivity of elements in the periodic table. It also introduces students to the real-world applications of these elements and the impact they have on the environment.
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