CHM 212: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

LECTURE NOTES

S.Y. Goji, PhD

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria

CHEMISTRY OF FIRST ROW TRANSITION METALS

The first row transition metals consist of elements: Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti),
Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni),
Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) as in the periodic table. These elements have partially
filled d orbitals and exhibit a wide range of physical and chemical properties, making
them important in many areas of chemistry, including catalysis, materials science, and
bioinorganic chemistry. The partially filled d orbitals gives them unique properties
such as high melting and boiling points, good electrical conductivity, and the ability
to form complex ions and compounds. These properties arise from the ability of the d
orbitals to participate in bonding, allowing the metals to form a variety of
coordination complexes.

Electronic Configurations:
The electronic structure of the first row transition elements is defined by the filling of
the 3d and 4s orbitals. These elements are characterized by their partially filled d-
orbitals, which play a crucial role in their chemical and physical properties.These
elements have electronic configurations that follow the general pattern [Ar]3d1-10 4s1-2.
The electronic configuration of the first row transition elements using the s, p, d, and f
methods:
Scandium (Sc):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d1 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d1 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d1 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Titanium (Ti):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d2 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d2 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d2 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Vanadium (V):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d3 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d3 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d3 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Chromium (Cr):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1
p method: [Ar] 3d5 4s1
d method: [Ar] 3d5 4s1
f method: [Ar] 3d5 4s1 4p0 4d0 4f0

Manganese (Mn):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d5 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d5 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d5 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Iron (Fe):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d6 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d6 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d6 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Cobalt (Co):
s method: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
p method: [Ar] 3d7 4s2
d method: [Ar] 3d7 4s2
f method: [Ar] 3d7 4s2 4p0 4d0 4f0

Nickel (Ni):
Copper (Cu):
Zinc (Zn) :

The 3d orbitals can accommodate up to ten electrons, while the 4s orbital can hold up
to two electrons. In the case of Scandium, for example, its electronic configuration is
[Ar] 3d1 4s2, meaning that it has one electron in the 3d orbital and two electrons in the
4s orbital. Similarly, Titanium has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d 2 4s2, with two
electrons in the 3d orbital and two electrons in the 4s orbital.

As the elements progress from Scandium to Zinc, the number of electrons in the d
orbitals increases, and the 4s orbital becomes more stable. Scandium (Sc) has the
electronic configuration [Ar] 3d1 4s2, while Manganese (Mn) has the electronic
configuration [Ar] 3d5 4s2. In the middle of the series, Chromium has the electronic
configuration [Ar] 3d5 4s1 and Manganese has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d5
4s2. These elements have partially filled d orbitals, which make them good candidates
for catalysis, magnetism, and other interesting properties.
The electronic structure of the first row transition elements also plays a crucial role in
their bonding behavior. For example, these elements are capable of forming complex
coordination compounds, which can have important applications in materials science
and bioinorganic chemistry. The d orbitals can accept electrons from ligands, leading
to the formation of coordinate covalent bonds.
The electronic structure of the first row transition metals, also known as the d-block
elements, can be described by a general formula: [noble gas] (n-1)dx nsy
Where [noble gas] represents the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas
element, and n is the principal quantum number of the valence shell. The d and s
orbitals refer to the angular momentum quantum number of the electron, with d
orbitals having a higher energy level than s orbitals.
The value of x depends on the specific element and its position in the periodic table,
but it is generally in the range of 0 to 10. The value of y is either 0 or 1, depending on
whether the element has one or two valence electrons in the s orbital. For example,
the electronic configuration of scandium (Sc) is [Ar] 3d 1 4s2, while the electronic
configuration of copper (Cu) is [Ar] 3d10 4s1.

The presence of partially filled d orbitals can lead to variable oxidation states, while
the stability of complexes formed by the metals can be influenced by the number and
arrangement of d electrons. Therefore, understanding the electronic structure of these
elements is important in predicting their behavior in various chemical reactions and
applications.

Physical Properties

The first row transition metals have a range of physical properties, including high
melting and boiling points, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and varying
degrees of hardness and density. These properties are due to the presence of partially
filled d orbitals, which allow the metals to form strong metallic bonds and exhibit
unique electronic and magnetic properties.

Metallic Character
The first row transition elements are all metals, with the exception of hydrogen. They
are generally good conductors of electricity and heat due to the presence of
delocalized electrons in their d orbitals. The metallic character of these elements
increases from Scandium to Copper, where Copper has the highest metallic character
due to its fully filled 3d orbitals.

Density: The density of the first row transition elements varies across the series, but
they are generally more dense than the alkali and alkaline earth metals. The density
increases from Scandium to Iron, then decreases from Cobalt to Copper, and increases
again with the addition of Zinc. This trend can be explained by the changes in atomic
radius and packing efficiency in the crystal structure.

Melting and Boiling Points: The melting and boiling points of the first row transition
elements are generally higher than those of the alkali and alkaline earth metals. The
strong metallic bonds is due to the delocalization of electrons in the d orbitals as well
as the presence of strong metallic bonds between atoms and the contributions of other
types of bonding such as covalent and Van der Waals forces. This high melting and
boiling points make them useful in high-temperature applications. The melting and
boiling points generally increase from Scandium to Chromium, then decrease from
Manganese to Copper, and finally increase again with Zinc. Typical of the high
melting point property of transition metals is that of titanium which is 1,668°C:
Ti (s) → Ti (l)

Hardness: Most of the first row transition elements are hard and can form alloys with
other metals to increase their hardness.

Luster: These elements have a characteristic metallic luster due to the presence of free
electrons that can absorb and re-emit light.
Ductility: Most of the first row transition elements are ductile, meaning they can be
drawn into wires without breaking.

Malleability: These elements are also malleable, meaning they can be hammered or
pressed into thin sheets.

Good electrical conductivity: The delocalized electrons in the d orbitals make the first
row transition elements good conductors of electricity, which is important in many
applications. For example, copper is widely used in electrical wiring and and
electronic devices.

Cu (s) → Cu2+ + 2e−

Formation of alloys: The first row transition elements are often used to form alloys,
which are mixtures of two or more metallic elements. These alloys can have improved
mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties compared to pure metals. For example,
the formation of stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel:
Fe (s) + 2Cr (s) + 18Ni (s) → FeCrNi (s).

Hardness and toughness: The first row transition elements are often very hard and
tough, which makes them useful in applications where durability and strength are
important. For example, the hardness of tungsten:
W (s) → W (s).

Special Properties

The chemical reactivities of first row transition elements are diverse and depend on a
variety of factors, such as their electronic configuration, oxidation state, and the
nature of the reactants.

Variable oxidation states: The first row transition elements exhibit a wide range of
oxidation states due to the presence of electrons in the d orbitals. For example, iron
can have an oxidation state of +2 in FeCl2 or +3 in FeCl3:
FeCl2 → Fe2+ + 2Cl−

FeCl3 → Fe3+ + 3Cl−

Fe2+(aq) + 2e- ⇌ Fe(s) or Fe3+(aq) + 3e- ⇌ Fe(s)

Formation of colored compounds: The d electrons in the first row transition elements
can lead to the formation of colored compounds, making them useful in pigments,
dyes, and other applications. For example, the blue color of copper(II) sulfate:
CuSO4 (aq) → Cu2+ + SO42-

Formation of complex ions: The first row transition elements have a tendency to form
complex ions, which are coordination compounds consisting of a central metal ion
surrounded by ligands. This property is important in many biological and industrial
processes. For example, the formation of hexaaquachromium (III) ions:
[Cr(H2O)6]3+ + 6Cl− → [Cr(H2O)3Cl3] + 3H2O

Five other examples of complex ions formed by first row transition elements, along
with their equations:

[Fe(H2O)6]2+ - This is the hexaaquairon (II) ion, which is a pale green complex ion
formed by the reaction of iron(II) ions with water:

Fe2+(aq) + 6H2O(l) ⇌ [Fe(H2O)6]2+(aq)

[Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ - This is the tetraamminecopper(II) ion, which is a deep blue

complex ion formed by the reaction of copper(II) ions with ammonia and water:

Cu2+(aq) + 4NH3(aq) + 2H2O(l) ⇌ [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+(aq)

[Cr(H2O)6]3+ - This is the hexaaquachromium(III) ion, which is a violet complex ion

formed by the reaction of chromium(III) ions with water:

Cr3+(aq) + 6H2O(l) ⇌ [Cr(H2O)6]3+(aq)

[CoCl4]2- - This is the tetrachlorocobaltate (II) ion, which is a pink complex ion
formed by the reaction of cobalt(II) ions with chloride ions:

Co2+(aq) + 4Cl-(aq) ⇌ [CoCl4]2-(aq)

[MnO4]- - This is the permanganate ion, which is a purple complex ion formed by the
reaction of manganese (IV) oxide with hydroxide ions:

MnO4-(aq) + 4H2O(l) + 3e- ⇌ MnO2(s) + 8OH-(aq)

The resulting complex ions often exhibit unique chemical and physical properties.

Magnetic properties: Some of the first row transition elements exhibit magnetic
properties due to the orientation of their d electrons, making them useful in data
storage and medical imaging. For example, the paramagnetism of manganese (II)
ions:
Mn2+ → [Mn(H2O)6]2+ (paramagnetic) while iron is ferromagnetic, meaning it can be
magnetized.

Fe(s) + 2H+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + H2(g)

Acid-Base Reactions
Transition elements can exhibit acid-base properties, meaning they can react with
acids or bases to form salts. For example, the element copper can react with
hydrochloric acid to form copper(II) chloride.

Cu(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CuCl2(aq) + H2(g)

The first row transition metals can also undergo acid-base reactions, where they can
either accept or donate protons. For example, Zinc (Zn) can undergo an acid-base
reaction with hydrochloric acid to form Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2):

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

Similarly, Manganese (Mn) can undergo an acid-base reaction with sulfuric acid to
form Manganese(II) sulfate (MnSO4) and water (H2O):

Mn + H2SO4 → MnSO4 + 2H2O

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions: The first row transition metals can undergo
redox reactions, where they can either gain or lose electrons. The ability of the metals
to undergo these reactions is due to their partially filled d orbitals, which can accept or
donate electrons. Therefore, transition elements can exhibit a wide range of oxidation
states, and therefore can participate in redox reactions as either an oxidizing agent or a
reducing agent. For example, manganese can undergo the following redox reaction:

MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5e- → Mn2+(aq) + 4H2O(l)

Iron (Fe) can undergo a redox reaction with oxygen to form Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3):

4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3

Similarly, Copper (Cu) can undergo a redox reaction with nitric acid to form
Copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO3)2):

3Cu + 8HNO3 → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O.

Similarly, the element manganese can undergo redox reactions in the process of
photosynthesis.

2H2O(l) + 4photons → O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-

Formation of coordination compounds: Transition elements can form coordination

compounds, which are complexes that contain a central metal ion bonded to ligands.
For example, the complex ion [Co(NH3)6]3+ contains a central cobalt ion bonded to six
ammonia molecules.

Co2+(aq) + 6NH3(aq) ⇌ [Co(NH3)6]2+(aq)

Formation of alloys: Transition elements can form alloys, which are mixtures of two
or more metals. The resulting alloys often exhibit unique properties, such as increased
strength and resistance to corrosion. For example, the alloy steel is composed of iron,
carbon, and other transition elements such as chromium and nickel:

Fe(s) + 2Cr(s) → FeCr2(s)

Other examples of alloys formed by transition elements:

Stainless steel - Stainless steel is a popular alloy made from iron, carbon, and various
transition metals such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It is known for its
corrosion resistance, durability, and strength.

Brass - Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc, but can also contain small
amounts of other transition metals such as nickel or iron. It is known for its gold-like
appearance, high ductility, and malleability.

Bronze - Bronze is an alloy made from copper and tin, but can also contain other
transition metals such as zinc, manganese, and aluminum. It is known for its hardness,
durability, and resistance to corrosion.

Titanium alloys - Titanium alloys are made from titanium and other transition metals
such as aluminum, vanadium, or nickel. They are known for their strength, lightness,
and resistance to corrosion.

Copper-nickel alloys - Copper-nickel alloys are made from copper and nickel, but can
also contain other transition metals such as iron or manganese. They are known for
their resistance to corrosion, strength, and ductility.

Magnesium alloys - Magnesium alloys are made from magnesium and other transition
metals such as aluminum, zinc, or manganese. They are known for their lightweight,
high strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to corrosion.

Catalytic activity: Transition elements can exhibit catalytic activity, meaning they can
increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. For
example, the element nickel is commonly used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of
vegetable oils:

For example, element like nickel is commonly used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation
of vegetable oils.

2H2(g) + C2H4(g) → C2H6(g)

For example, the catalytic activity of iron in the Haber process:
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) → 2NH3 (g)
Here are other examples of transition elements and their corresponding catalytic
equations:

Iron (Fe) - Iron is widely used as a catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process, which is used
to produce ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas. The equation for this process is:

N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g)

Fe acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of the forward reaction, which produces
ammonia.

Vanadium (V) - Vanadium is used as a catalyst in the Contact process, which is used
to produce sulfuric acid. The equation for this process is:

2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g)

Vanadium oxide (V2O5) acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of the forward reaction,
which produces sulfur trioxide.

Platinum (Pt) - Platinum is used as a catalyst in catalytic converters, which are used to
reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. The equation for this process is:

2CO(g) + 2NO(g) ⇌ N2(g) + 2CO2(g)

Platinum acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of the reverse reaction, which converts
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide.

Nickel (Ni) - Nickel is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, which
is used to produce margarine and other food products. The equation for this process
is:

C=C + H2 → C-C

Nickel acts as a catalyst to add hydrogen atoms to the carbon-carbon double bonds in
the vegetable oils, producing a more solid and stable product.

Palladium (Pd)-Palladium is used as a catalyst in the Suzuki coupling reaction, which

is used to synthesize complex organic molecules. The equation for this process is:
R-X + Ar-B(OH)2 → R-Ar

Palladium acts as a catalyst to bring together two molecules (R-X and Ar-B(OH) 2)
and form a new molecule (R-Ar).

Radioactivity: Some of the first row transition elements, such as uranium and
plutonium, have radioactive isotopes that are used in nuclear power and weapons, as
well as in medical treatments and diagnostic procedures. For example, the element
technetium is used in medical imaging: For example, the decay of uranium-235:
235U → 207P
Some common transition elements and their most common radioactive isotopes:

Technetium (Tc-99m) - This isotope is commonly used in medical imaging. Its

radioactive equation is:

Tc-99m → Tc-99 + γ

Cobalt (Co-60) - This isotope is commonly used in radiation therapy for cancer. Its
radioactive equation is:

Co-60 → Ni-60 + β- + γ

Iron (Fe-59) - This isotope is commonly used in medical research. Its radioactive
equation is:

Fe-59 → Mn-59 + β-
Manganese (Mn-54) - This isotope is commonly used in radiography. Its radioactive
equation is:

Mn-54 → Cr-54 + β+ + γ

Nickel (Ni-63) - This isotope is commonly used in radiation detectors. Its radioactive
equation is:

Ni-63 → Cu-63 + β-

Copper (Cu-64) - This isotope is commonly used in medical imaging. Its radioactive
equation is:

Cu-64 → Zn-64 + β+ + γ

Zinc (Zn-65) - This isotope is commonly used in medical research. Its radioactive
equation is:

Zn-65 → Cu-65 + β-

Technetium (Tc-98) - This isotope is used in nuclear medicine. Its radioactive

equation is:

Tc-98 → Mo-98 + β-

Applications

First row transition elements have a wide range of applications due to their unique
properties. Here are some examples of the applications of first row transition
elements:

Iron (Fe): Iron is a widely used metal due to its strength and durability. It is used in
the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. It is also used in the
production of steel, which is used in the manufacturing of automobiles, appliances,
and other consumer goods.

Copper (Cu): Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and is used in electrical

wiring, electronics, and telecommunications. It is also used in the production of brass
and bronze alloys, which are used in the manufacturing of jewelry, coins, and other
decorative items.

Titanium (Ti): Titanium is a lightweight and strong metal that is used in the aerospace
industry for the production of aircraft components and engines. It is also used in the
production of sports equipment, such as golf clubs and bicycle frames.

Zinc (Zn): Zinc is used in the production of galvanized steel, which is used in
construction and automotive manufacturing. It is also used in the production of
batteries, as well as in the manufacturing of brass and other alloys.
Vanadium (V): Vanadium is used in the production of high-strength steel alloys,
which are used in the manufacturing of tools, knives, and other equipment. It is also
used in the production of batteries and as a catalyst in the production of sulfuric acid.

Chromium (Cr): Chromium is used in the production of stainless steel, which is used
in the manufacturing of kitchen appliances, medical equipment, and other products
that require resistance to corrosion. It is also used in the production of pigments, such
as chrome yellow and chrome green.

Manganese (Mn): Manganese is used in the production of steel and other alloys, as
well as in the manufacturing of batteries. It is also used as a dietary supplement and in
the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Nickel (Ni): Nickel is used in the production of stainless steel and other alloys, as well
as in the manufacturing of batteries and electronics. It is also used in the plating of
metal objects to improve their appearance and durability.

Cobalt (Co): Cobalt is used in the production of superalloys, which are used in the
manufacturing of aircraft engines, gas turbines, and other high-performance
equipment. It is also used in the production of magnets and in the treatment of certain
medical conditions.

Copper, gold, and silver (Cu, Au, Ag): Copper, gold, and silver are commonly used in
the production of jewelry and other decorative items due to their unique colors and
properties. They are also used in the production of coins and other currency.

Questions
1. What are first row transition elements, and what are their unique properties?
2. What is the electronic structure of first row transition elements?
3. Discuss the chemical properties of first row transition elements.
4. How do first row transition elements differ from other elements in the periodic
table?
5. Discuss the physical properties of first row transition elements.
6. What is the role of first row transition elements in biological systems?
7. How are first row transition elements used in industrial applications?
8. What are the sources of first row transition elements, and how are they extracted?
9. Discuss the magnetic properties of first row transition elements.
10. How do first row transition elements form coordination compounds?
11. What are the oxidation states of first row transition elements?
12. Discuss the colors of first row transition metal ions.
13. How do first row transition elements participate in redox reactions?
14. Discuss the role of first row transition elements in catalysis.
15. How are first row transition elements used in the production of alloys?
16. What are the environmental effects of first row transition elements, and how can
they be controlled?
17. How do first row transition elements form complexes with ligands?
18. Discuss the optical properties of first row transition elements.
19. How are first row transition elements used in the production of semiconductors?
20. What is the role of first row transition elements in corrosion?
21. Discuss the toxicity of first row transition elements.
22. How do first row transition elements participate in acid-base reactions?
23. What is the role of first row transition elements in the synthesis of organic
compounds?
24. Discuss the use of first row transition elements in the production of ceramics.
25. How do first row transition elements affect the properties of water?
26. What is the role of first row transition elements in the production of fertilizers?
27. Discuss the role of first row transition elements in medicine.
28. How do first row transition elements participate in precipitation reactions?
29. Discuss the use of first row transition elements in the production of pigments.
30. What is the trend in atomic radius across the first row transition elements?
31. What is the trend in ionization energy across the first row transition elements?
32. What is the trend in electronegativity across the first row transition elements?
33. What is the trend in melting and boiling points across the first row transition
elements?
34. What is the oxidation state range for first row transition elements?
35. What is the coordination number range for first row transition elements?
36. What is the trend in the size of first row transition metal ions in aqueous solution?
37. What is the trend in the color of first row transition metal ions?
38. What is the trend in the magnetic properties of first row transition elements?
39. What is the trend in the atomic radius of first row transition metal cations in
comparison to their neutral atoms?
40. What is the trend in the stability of oxidation states of first row transition
elements?
41. What is the trend in the acidic nature of first row transition metal oxides?
42. What is the trend in the basic nature of first row transition metal hydroxides?
43. What is the trend in the stability of first row transition metal complexes?
44. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with oxygen?
45. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with halogens?
46. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with acids?
47. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with bases?
48. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with water?
49. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with hydrogen?
50. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with carbon?
51. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal hydroxides?
52. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal sulfides?
53. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal carbonates?
54. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal oxides?
55. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal halides?
56. What is the trend in the melting points of first row transition metal halides?
57. What is the trend in the boiling points of first row transition metal halides?
58. What is the trend in the magnetic properties of first row transition metal halides?
59. What is the trend in the color of first row transition metal halides?
60. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal sulfates?
61. What is the trend in the melting points of first row transition metal sulfates?
62. What is the trend in the boiling points of first row transition metal sulfates?
63. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal nitrates?
64. What is the trend in the melting points of first row transition metal nitrates?
65. What is the trend in the boiling points of first row transition metal nitrates?
66. What is the trend in the solubility of first row transition metal carbonates?
67. What is the trend in the melting points of first row transition metal carbonates?
68. What is the trend in the boiling points of first row transition metal carbonates?
69. What is the trend in the reactivity of first row transition elements with nonmetals?
70. How does the melting and boiling points of first-row transition metals change
across the period?
71. How does the density of first-row transition metals change across the period?
72. How do the oxidation states of first-row transition metals change across the
period?
73. How does the atomic radius of first-row transition metals change as you go across
the period?
74. What is the trend in the ionization energy of first-row transition metals across the
period?
75. What is the trend in the electron affinity of first-row transition metals across the
period?
76. How does the electronegativity of first-row transition metals change across the
period?
77. What are the common chemical properties of first-row transition metals?
78. How do first-row transition metals form complex ions?
79. What is the color of complex ions formed by first-row transition metals?
80. How do ligands affect the color of complex ions formed by first-row transition
metals?
81. What is the difference between a ligand and a complex ion?
82. What is the structure of a complex ion?
83. How do ligands coordinate with first-row transition metals?
84. What is the role of coordination number in complex ion formation?
85. What is the relationship between the stability of a complex ion and the number of
ligands it contains?
86. What is the difference between a coordination compound and a complex ion?
87. What is the role of chelating agents in complex ion formation?
88. What is the relationship between chelating agents and stability constants?
89. How do first-row transition metals form coordination compounds?
90. How do coordination compounds differ from complex ions?
91. How does the magnetic behavior of first-row transition metals change across the
period?
92. What is the difference between diamagnetism and paramagnetism?
93. What is the role of unpaired electrons in paramagnetism?
94. How do coordination compounds exhibit magnetism?
95. What is the difference between high-spin and low-spin configurations?
96. The first-row transition metals have similar physical and chemical properties.
(False/True)
97. The atomic size of first-row transition metals increases as you go across the period
(False/True).
98. First-row transition metals have high melting and boiling points(False/True)
99. The melting and boiling points of first-row transition metals decrease as you go
across the period (False/True)
100. First-row transition metals have a low density (False/True)
101. The oxidation states of first-row transition metals are limited(False/True)
102. The oxidation states of first-row transition metals can change depending on the
compound they are in (False/True)
103. The electronegativity of first-row transition metals decreases as you go across
the period(False/True)
104. First-row transition metals can form complex ions(False/True)
105. Complex ions formed by first-row transition metals are always
colorless(False/True)
106. Ligands can affect the color of complex ions formed by first-row transition
metals (False/True)
107. Complex ions formed by first-row transition metals are always octahedral in
shape(False/True)
108. High-spin and low-spin configurations are important in the magnetic behavior of
first-row transition metals(False/True)
109. The crystal field splitting affects the electronic configuration of first-row
transition metals(False/True)
110. Metal clusters are similar to coordination compounds(False/True)
111. First-row transition metals do not react with acids(False/True)
112. First-row transition metals can only react with strong bases(False/True)
113. First-row transition metals can react with halogens(False/True)
114. First-row transition metals do not react with oxygen(False/True)
115. Oxidation-reduction reactions do not involve first-row transition metals
(False/True)

The electronic structure of the first row transition elements can be calculated using the
Aufbau principle and the filling of orbitals according to Hund's rule. Here are some
calculations for the electronic structure of selected first row transition elements:
Scandium (Sc): Scandium has an atomic number of 21, which means it has 21
electrons. The electronic configuration of scandium is [Ar] 3d14s2, where [Ar]
represents the electronic configuration of argon, and the 3d orbital is partially filled
with one electron.
Iron (Fe): Iron has an atomic number of 26 and the electronic configuration of iron is
[Ar]3d64s2. According to Hund's rule, the six electrons in the 3d orbital occupy
different orbitals before any pairing occurs, which results in an unpaired electron and
makes iron paramagnetic.
Copper (Cu): Copper has an atomic number of 29 and the electronic configuration of
copper is [Ar] 3d104s1. According to Hund's rule, the 10 electrons in the 3d orbital
occupy different orbitals before any pairing occurs, which results in a completely
filled d-orbital and makes copper diamagnetic.
Manganese (Mn): Manganese has an atomic number of 25 and the electronic
configuration of manganese is [Ar]3d54s2. According to Hund's rule, the five electrons
in the 3d orbital occupy different orbitals before any pairing occurs, which results in
an unpaired electron and makes manganese paramagnetic.
Titanium (Ti): Titanium has an atomic number of 22 and the electronic configuration
of titanium is [Ar]3d24s2. The two electrons in the 3d orbital occupy different orbitals
before any pairing occurs, which results in two unpaired electrons and makes titanium
paramagnetic.

What is the electronic configuration of scandium (Sc)?

How many unpaired electrons does iron (Fe) have in its ground state?
What is the electronic configuration of copper (Cu)?
How many unpaired electrons does manganese (Mn) have in its ground state?
What is the electronic configuration of titanium (Ti)?
What is the electron configuration of nickel (Ni)?
How many valence electrons does chromium (Cr) have in its ground state?
What is the electron configuration of cobalt (Co)?
How many unpaired electrons does vanadium (V) have in its ground state?
What is the electron configuration of zinc (Zn)?
How many valence electrons does iron (Fe) have in its +3 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of silver (Ag)?
How many unpaired electrons does copper (Cu) have in its +2 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of gold (Au)?
How many valence electrons does manganese (Mn) have in its +7 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of palladium (Pd)?
How many unpaired electrons does titanium (Ti) have in its +3 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of platinum (Pt)?
How many valence electrons does chromium (Cr) have in its +6 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of rhodium (Rh)?
How many unpaired electrons does iron (Fe) have in its +2 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of iridium (Ir)?
How many valence electrons does cobalt (Co) have in its +2 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of ruthenium (Ru)?
How many unpaired electrons does copper (Cu) have in its +1 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of osmium (Os)?
How many valence electrons does nickel (Ni) have in its +2 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of scandium (Sc) in its +3 oxidation state?
How many unpaired electrons does manganese (Mn) have in its +2 oxidation state?
What is the electron configuration of iron (Fe) in its +6 oxidation state?