CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FIRST ROW

TRANSITION ELEMENT

The relative stability of the oxidation

state
Most oxidation states of the transition elements are +2 & +3
Ti , V , Cr & Fe +3 oxidation state is more stable than +2 oxidation state
Mn , Co , Ni & Cu +2 oxidation state is more stable than +3
Because , as go across the d block , it gets more difficult to remove a third
e-

Due decrease in size of the atom & increase in nuclear charge

Oxidation state +4 and above are relatively less stable because energies
involve too high

Standard Reduction Potentials & the Relative

Stability of Aqueous Ions
Most oxidation states of transition element are +2 & +3.
Relative stability of +2 & +3 states can predict by looking at the
standard electrode potential.

Refer to graph page 223 no.3

Half- cells where the E values are less than +1.23V, oxygen from air
will oxidize the +2 state to +3 state ( pg. 223 no 4 e.g..)

Half-cells where the E is more positive than +1.23V , the +3 than

+2 state( pg. 223 no 5 e.g..)

Redox properties of the various oxidation state

Lower oxidation states of transition elements are reducing as
shown by their negative standard electrode potentials.

The more positive the E value , the stronger the oxidizing

agent.

Refer to (pg. 224 no 2-4)

Formation of Complex Ions and Ligand Exchange

A complex ion = an ion of a central metal cation bonded to a
group of atoms/ molecules / ions (ligand) by coordinate bonds

Eg. of complex ion (Cu(NH3)4)2+

Formation of complex, the ammonia molecule donate their
lone pair electrons to empty orbitals in Cu2+ ion to form
coordinate bonds

The metal cation acts as Lewis acid & ammonia molecule acts
as Lewis base

Catalytic properties
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of the chemical reaction
but remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.

A catalyst takes part in the chemical reaction but is not consumed by the
reaction.

The energy profile of a reaction with and without a catalyst (pg. 226 no 3)
The Boltzmann distribution curve of the reaction (pg. 226 no 4)
Two types of catalyst action
i) Homogeneous catalysis
ii) Heterogeneous catalysis

Catalytic properties
Homogeneous catalysis

Homogeneous catalysis , the physical state of the catalyst is

the same those of the reactant. (Refer pg. 227 no 2)

Homogeneous catalysis is usually explained by the

intermediate product theory

Transition elements and their compounds are good

homogeneous catalyst becuz they exhibits variable oxidation
states.

Heterogeneous catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis, the physical state of the catalyst is

different from the those of the reactants (Refer pg. 228 no 2)

Heterogeneous catalysis is usually explained by the adsorption

theory. 1 should distinguish between adsorption & absorption.

Adsorption occurs on the surface of the substance.

Absorption occurs in the bulk of the substance