To what extent do the electronic configurations decide the stability of oxidation states in the first series of the transition elements? Illustrate your answer with examples.
Solution and Explanation
The elements in the first-half of the transition series exhibit many oxidation states with Mn exhibiting maximum number of oxidation states (+2 to +7). The stability of +2 oxidation state increases with the increase in atomic number. This happens as more electrons are getting filled in the d-orbital. However, Sc does not show +2 oxidation state. Its electronic configuration is 4s2 3d1 . It loses all the three electrons to form Sc3+ .+3 oxidation state of Sc is very stable as by losing all three electrons, it attains stable noble gas configuration, [Ar]. Ti(+4) and V(+5) are very stable for the same reason. For Mn, +2 oxidation state is very stable as after losing two electrons, its d-orbital is exactly half-filled, [Ar] 3d5 .
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Concepts Used:
Properties of D Block Elements
- Multiple oxidation states- The oxidation states of d block elements show very few energy gaps; therefore, they exhibit many oxidation states. Also, the energy difference between s and d orbital is very less. Therefore both the electrons are involved in ionic and covalent bond formation, which ultimately leads to multiple oxidation states.
- Formation of complex compounds- Ligands show a binding behavior and can form so many stable complexes with the help of transition metals. This property is mainly due to:
- Availability of vacant d orbitals.
- Comparatively small sizes of metals.
- Hardness- Transition elements are tough and have high densities because of the presence of unpaired electrons.
- Melting and boiling points- Melting and boiling points of transition are very high because of the presence of unpaired electrons and partially filled d orbitals. They form strong bonds and have high melting and boiling points.
- Atomic radii- The atomic and ionic radius of the transition elements decreases as we move from Group 3 to group 6. However, it remains the same between group 7 and group 10, and from group 11 to group 12 increases.
- Ionization enthalpy- The ionization enthalpies of the transition elements are generally on the greater side as compared to the S block elements