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Transition Metals Flashcards
Free A Level Chemistry Revision Cards
From d-block electron configurations and coloured compounds to complex ions, ligand substitution, and catalysis, these free Chemistry flashcards cover transition metal chemistry for A Level.
Question
Where are transition metals found on the periodic table?
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Answer
In the d-block, between Groups 2 and 13 (periods 4 and 5). Examples: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn.
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Question
What are the characteristic properties of transition metals?
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Answer
Variable oxidation states, formation of coloured compounds and ions, ability to act as catalysts, and formation of complex ions.
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Question
Why do transition metals have variable oxidation states?
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Answer
The 3d and 4s electrons are close in energy, so different numbers can be lost. E.g. iron can be Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺; manganese can be +2, +4, or +7.
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Question
What is a complex ion?
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Answer
A central metal ion surrounded by ligands (molecules or ions that donate lone pairs of electrons to the metal). E.g. [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺.
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Question
What is a ligand?
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Answer
A molecule or ion that donates a lone pair of electrons to a transition metal ion to form a coordinate (dative covalent) bond. E.g. H₂O, NH₃, Cl⁻, CN⁻.
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Question
Why are transition metal compounds coloured?
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Answer
The d orbitals split in energy in the presence of ligands. Electrons absorb visible light to jump between d orbital energy levels; the complementary colour is transmitted/reflected.
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Question
What is a monodentate ligand?
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Answer
A ligand that forms one coordinate bond to the metal ion. Examples: water (H₂O), ammonia (NH₃), chloride (Cl⁻).
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Question
What is a bidentate ligand and give an example?
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Answer
A ligand that forms two coordinate bonds to the same metal ion. Example: 1,2-diaminoethane (en) or the oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻).
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Question
What is EDTA and why is it useful?
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Answer
EDTA is a hexadentate ligand that forms 6 coordinate bonds to one metal ion, forming extremely stable complexes. Used in medicine and industrial applications.
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Question
What is the role of iron in haemoglobin?
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Answer
The Fe²⁺ ion in the haem group of haemoglobin reversibly binds oxygen for transport in the blood. CO binds more strongly to Fe²⁺, blocking oxygen transport (carbon monoxide poisoning).
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