Transition metals

Question 1

Ligand def.

Answer 1

A small molecule coordinately bonded to a central transition element in a complex ion

Question 2

Transition element def.

Answer 2

An element that forms stable ions with incomplete d subshells

Question 3

Why are Zinc and Scandium not transition elements?

Answer 3

Zinc only forms Zn^2+ with a full d subshell while Scandium only forms Sc^3+ with an empty d subshell.

Question 4

What are the electron configurations of copper and chromium?

Answer 4

Cr : [Ar] 4s^1, 3d^5
Cu : [Ar] 4s^1, 3d^10

Question 5

What makes transition elements colourful?

Answer 5

They have an incomplete d subshell.

Question 6

Name two bidentate ligands. Why are they bidentate, and how does it affect their isometry?

Answer 6

Ethandioate and Ethane-1,2-diamine.
» They are bidentate because they have two electron lone pairs and form two co-ordinate bonds
» It makes them optical isomers

Question 7

Name a multidentate ligand. What ion does it form and why is it reactionarily significant?

Answer 7

EDTA.
» It forms an [EDTA]^4- ion (Turn all four COOH groups into COO^-)
» It is significant because it reacts in a 1:1 molar ratio with complex ions and transition elements