Question

Why transition elements have more tendency to form interstitial compounds?

• A. Presence of interstitial sites (voids) in the crystal lattice
• B. They have reducing property
• C. They have low ionization enthalpy
• D. They have same atomic size.

Hint:

Small atoms like H, C, N fit into the voids in the metal lattice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Interstitial compounds form when small atoms such as H, B, C or N are trapped inside the lattice of a metal.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation
Transition metals have crystal lattices with vacant spaces (voids) between the atoms, and these spaces are the right size for small non-metal atoms.
So the tendency comes from the presence of interstitial sites in the lattice, which is statement (A).

Final Answer:
The cause is the presence of interstitial voids in the lattice, option (A). \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]