d & f block elements (by K.

Singh)

d & f – block elements

1. Transition elements (d – block elements): - The elements which lie in between s and p block
elements in long form of periodic table are called transition elements. These elements have their
properties which intermediate between those of s and p block elements. These elements are called d –
block elements since in them 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d sub shells are incomplete and the last electron enters
the (n-1)d orbital, i.e., penultimate (last but one) shell. Their general electronic configuration is (n-1)d1
– 10
ns0 – 2 where n is the outermost shell.
 First transition series or 3d seri es corresponding to filling of 3d sublevel consists of the following
10 elements of the 4th period:
Sc (At. No. =21) Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn (At. No. = 30)
 Second transition series or 4d series corresponding to filling of 4d sublevel consists of the following
10 elements of the 5th period:
Y (At. No. =39) Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, and Cd (At. No. = 48)
 Third transition series or 5d series corresponding to filling of 5d sublevel consists of the following
10 elements of the 6th period:
La (At. No. =57); Hf (At. No. =72), Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt., Au and Hg (At. No. = 80)
 Fourth transition series or 6d series corresponding to filling of 6d sublevel starts with Actinium (At.
No. = 89)
These electronic configurations have the following characteristic:-
 An inner core of electrons with noble gas configuration.
 (n-1)d orbital are filled up progressively with electrons.
 Most of members have two electrons in the outer most shell i.e., ns. Some of the members i.e., Cr,
Cu, Nb, Mo, Ag, Au, etc. have only one electron in ns orbital whereas Pd has no electron in ns
orbital.
 In lanthanum (Z = 57) one electron goes to 5d orbital before filling of 4f orbital (an exception from
Aufbau order.

Definition of transition elements: - Transition elements are those elements which have partly filled (n-
1)d sub shell in their elementary state. It can be defined as the element whose atom in ground state or
ion in one of the common oxidation states, incomplete d – sub shell (partly filled), i.e., having electrons
between 1 to 9, excludes zinc, cadmium and mercury.
2. Atomic and Ionic Radii : -
a) Atomic Radii :-

 Generally the atomic radii of d – block elements in a series decrease with increase in atomic no.
but the decrease in atomic size small after midway.
Explanation: - The atomic radius decreases with the increase in atomic no. as the nuclear charge
increases whereas the shielding effect of d electron is small. Hence, with the increase in the d
electrons, screening effect increases
 At the end of the period, there is a slight increase in the atomic Radii.
 Explanation: - increased electron – electron repulsions between added electrons in the same
orbital are greater than the attractive forces due to the increased nuclear charge. This results in the
expansion of the electron cloud & thus the atomic radius increases.
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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
 The atomic Radii increase down the group. This means that the atomic Radii of second series are
larger than those of 1st transition series. But the atomic Radii of the second & third transition are
almost the same.

Explanation: - since in the atoms the second transition series the no. of shells increases, atomic Radii of
the elements of the second & third transition metals are nearly same due to lanthanide contraction
(or also called lanthanoid contraction).

b) Ionic Radii : -
 Ionic Radii of transition metals are different indifferent oxidation states.
 The Ionic Radii of transition metals are smaller than those of the representative elements (main
group of elements) belonging to the same period.

3. Metallic character: - Except for mercury which is a liquid, all the transition elements have typical
metallic structure (hcp, ccp or bcc). They exhibit all the characteristics of metals for e.g., they are
hard, lustrous, malleable and ductile; have high melting & boiling points, high thermal & electrical
conductivity & high tensile strength.
Explanation: - Transition elements have relatively low ionization energies & have one or
two electrons the outer most energy level (ns1 or ns2). Greater the no. of unpaired d electrons,
stronger is bonding due to over laping of unpaired electrons between different metals. Cr, Mo and
W have maximum no. unpaired d electrons and are there fore, hard metals whereas Zn, Cd and Hg
are not very hard metals due the absence of unpaired electrons.

4. Melting and Boiling point: - These metals have very high melting and boiling points. The melting
points of the transition elements rise to a maximum & then fall as the atomic no. increases.
Manganese and technetium have abnormally low melting points.
Explanation: - Strong metallic bonds between the atoms of these elements are responsible for the
high melting & boiling points. Tungsten (W) has highest melting point among the d block elements.

5. Density: - As we move along a transition series from left to right, the atomic Radii decrease due to
increase in nuclear change. Hence, the atomic volume decreases. At the same time, atomic mass
increases.

6. Ionization energies or ionization enthalpies : -

 The first ionization energies of d block elements lie between s block and p block elements.
They are higher that those of s block elements and are lesser than those of p block elements.
The ionization energy gradually increases with increase in atomic no. along a given transition
series.
Explanation: - This is due to increase nuclear charge with increase in atomic no. which
reduces the size of atom making the removal of outer electron difficult.
 In a given series, the difference in ionization energies between any two successive d block
elements is very much less than the difference in case of successive s block or p blocks
elements.

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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
Explanation: - The addition d electrons in last but one [(n-1)or penultimate] shell with increase in
atomic no. provides screening effect & thus shields the outer s electrons from inward nuclear pull.
 The first ionization Zn, Cd & Hg are however very high because of the fully filled (n-1)d10 ns2
configuration.
 Although second & third ionization energies also, in general, increase along a period.
 The high values of 3rd ionization energies for Cu, Ni & Zn explain why they have a
maximum oxidation of +2.
 The first ionization energies of 5 d elements are higher as compared to 3d & 4d elements.
This is because the weak shielding of nucleus by 4f electrons in 5d elements results in greater
effective nuclear charge acting on the outer valence electrons.

7. Catalytic properties : - Many of the transition metals and their compounds are used as
catalysts e.g.,
 Vanadium as V2O5 ■ Cobalt as cobalt.
 Nickel in the finely ■ Platinum
 Iron in the synthesis
Explanation: -
 The catalytic properties of the transition elements are probably due to the presence of
unpaired electrons in their incomplete d orbital and hence possess the capacity to absorb
and re – emit wide range of energies.
 In some cases, the transition element (i.e., catalyst) with varying oxidation states may form
intermediate compounds (intermediate compound formation theory of catalysis) with one
of the reactants.
 In the other cases the transition metal provides a suitable large surface area with valences
on which the reactants are adsorbed.
8. Coloured Ions: - Most of the transition metal compounds (ionic as well covalent) are coloured
both in solid state & in aqueous solution in contrast to the compounds of s and p block elements.

Explanation: - colour is due to the presence of incomplete d – sub shell. When the anions
approach the transition metal ions, the d – orbital split into two sets, one with lower energy and the
other with higher energy. This is called crystal field splitting.

eg -set

D - orbital t2g-set

The electrons can jump from lower energy d orbital to higher energy d orbital by absorption
of light of a particular wavelength in the region of visible light. One or more electrons from a lower to
a higher level within the same d sub shell are promoted. The transition metal ions have a property to
absorb such radiation from the visible light and appear coloured due to emission of the remainder as
coloured light. Cu2+ salts look blue due to the absorption of the red wavelength.

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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
9. Magnetic properties: - Those substances which are attracted by the applied magnetic field are
called paramagnetic whereas those which are repelled by the magnetic field are called
diamagnetic. In case of transition metals, as they contain unpaired electrons in the (n-1)d orbital,
most of the transition metals and their compounds are paramagnetic. Those transition elements
which have paired electrons are diamagnetic.
µ = √n (n+2) BM.

10. Complex formation:- Transition metal ions from a large no. of complex compound.
E.g., [Fe (CN)6]3-, [Fe (CN)6]4- , [ Cu (NH3)4]2+

Explanation: - The transition elements form complexes because of the following reasons: -
 They has small size
 They have large effective nuclear charge
 They have vacant d orbital so that these orbital can accept lone pairs of electrons donated by the ligands.
 Variable oxidation state
11. Interstitial compounds: - the transition metals form a large number of interstitial compounds in
which small atoms such as hydrogen, carbon, boron and nitrogen occupy the empty spaces
(interstitial sites) in their lattices. Its characteristics are as follows: -
 They are very hard and rigid, e.g., steel which is an interstitial compound of Fe and C.
 They have high melting points which are higher than those of the pure metals.
 They show conductivity like of the pure metals.
 They acquire chemical inertness.

12. Alloy formation: - Alloys are homogeneous solid solutions of two or more metals obtained by
melting the components and then cooling the melt. As transition metals have similar atomic radii
and other characteristics, hence they form alloys very readily. Alloys are generally harder, have
higher melting points and more resistant to corrosion than the individual metals. The most
commonly used are the ferrous alloys the metal chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten
and manganese are used in the formation of alloy steel and stainless steels.

13. Potassium dichromate(K2Cr2O7)

Preparation: - It is prepared from the ore called chromites or ferrochrome or chrome iron,
FeO.Cr2O3. and the various steps involved are: -
Step I. Preparation of sodium chromate: - The ore is finely powdered, mixed with sodium
carbonate and quick lime and then roasted.
4FeO . Cr2O3 + 8Na2CO3 + 7O2 8Na2 CrO4 + 2Fe2O3 + 8CO2
Step II. Conversion of sodium chromate into sodium dichromate: - Sodium chromate solution so
obtained is filtered and then treated with concentrated sulphuric acid then the sodium
chromate is converted into sodium dichromate.
2Na2CrO4 + H2SO4 Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O

Step III. Conversion of sodium dichromate into potassium dichromate: - Hot concentrated solution
of sodium dichromate is treated with calculated amount of potassium chloride then the
potassium dichromate crystallizes out on cooling.
heat
Na2Cr2O7 + 2KCl K2Cr2O7 + 2NaCl
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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
Properties of K2Cr2O7: -
1. Colour and melting point:-Orange red colour & M.Pt is 669 K
2. Action of heat:- It decompose by liberation of O2 as
4K2Cr2O7 4K2CrO4 + Cr2O3 + 2O2
 It liberates I2 from KI.
K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 6KI → 4K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3I2 + 7H2O
 It oxidises ferrous salts to ferric salts.
K2Cr2O7 + 7H2O2 + 7H2SO4 + 6FeSO4 → K2SO4 +Cr2(SO4)3 + 3Fe2(SO4)3 +2H2O
 It oxidises nitrites to nitrates
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3NaNO2 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3NaNO3 + 4H2O
3. Chromyl chloride test: (Reaction with a chloride and conc. sulphuric acid).When heated with
concentrated hydrochloric acid or with a chloride and strong sulphuric acid, reddish brown
vapours of chromyl chloride are obtained.
K2Cr2O7 + 4KCl +6H2SO4 → 2CrO2Cl2 + 6KHSO4 + 3H2O
4. Reaction with hydrogen peroxide: Acidified K2Cr2O7 solution reacts with H2O2 to give a deep
blue solution due to the formation of [CrO5]
Cr2O72- + H+ + 4H2O2 → 2CrO5 + 5H2O
14. Potassium permanganate: -
Preparation: - On a large scale, it is prepared from the mineral, pyrolusite (MnO2) and involves the
following two steps: -
Step I. Conversion of MnO2 into potassium magnate: The finely powdered pyrolusite mineral is
fused with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate in the presence of air or oxidizing
agent such as potassium nitrate or potassium chlorate.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 → 2K2MnO4 +2H2O
2MnO2 +2K2CO3 + O2 → 2K2MnO4 + 2CO2
Step II. Oxidation of potassium mangante to potassium permanganate:
By Chemical oxidation: The fused mass is extracted with water and the solution after
filtration is converted into is potassium permanganate by bubbling carbon dioxide, chlorine
or ozonised oxygen through the green solution.
3K2MnO4 + 2CO2 → 2KMnO4 + MnO2 ↓ + 2K2CO3
2K2MnO4 + Cl2 → 2KMnO4 + 2KCl
Its properties: -
 Action of heat:- It decomposed on heating with the evolution of oxygen as
2KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
 Action of conc. H2SO4: with well cooled conc H2SO4, it gives Mn2O7 which on warming
decomposes to MnO2.
2KMnO4 + 2H2SO4 → Mn2O7 + 2KHSO4 + H2O
 Oxidizing properties. Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent
 In neutral solution potassium permanganate acts as a moderate oxidizing agent in neutral aq.
Solution.
2KMnO4 + H2O → 2KOH + 2KMnO2 + 3[O]
Hence, eq. wt. of KMnO4 in neutral or weakly alkaline medium
= Mol. Wt. = 158 = 39.5
4 4

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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
(a) It oxidises hot manganous sulphate to manganese dioxide.
2KMnO4 + 3MnSO4 + 2H2O → K2SO4 + 2H2SO4 + 5MnO2
(b) it oxidises sodium thiosulphate to sodium sulphate.
8KMnO4 + 3Na2S2O3 + H2O → 3K2SO4 + 8MnO2 + 3Na2SO4
 In alkaline solution. In strongly alkaline solution, MnO42- (mangante) ion is produced.
2KMnO4 + 2KOH → 2K2MnO4 + H2O + O
Eq. wt. of KMnO4 = mol. Wt. / 1 = 158/1 = 158.
 In acidic medium. Potassium permanganate in the presence of dil. Sulphuric acid, i.e., in
acidic medium, acts as a strong oxidizing agent because of the reaction.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5O
Eq. wt. of KMnO4 = mol. Wt. / 5 = 158/5 = 31.6
(a) It oxidises H2S to S
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5S
(b) It oxidises sulphur dioxide to sulphuric acid.
2KMnO4 + 5SO2 + 2H2O → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 2H2SO4
(c) It oxidises ferrous sulphate to ferric sulphate (i.e., ferrous salt to ferric salt).
2KMnO4 + 8H2 SO4 + 10FeSO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5Fe2(SO4)3 + 8H2O
(d) It oxidises potassium iodide to iodine.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 10Kl → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5I2.

F – Block elements

The elements in which the last electron enters the f – orbital of the atoms are called f – block
elements. The last electron is added (n – 2)f. their general electronic configuration is : -
(n – 2)f1 – 14 (n – 1 )d0-1ns2
These elements are also called inner transition elements. They consist of two series of elements
the 4f- orbital and 5f- orbitals.
 Lanthanoids: - The series involving the filling of 4f- orbitals following lanthanum La (Z = 57)
is called lanthanoid series. The elements present in the series are called lanthanoids. These occur
very rarely and, therefore, these elements have also been called rare earth elements.

 Actinoids: - The series involving the filling of 5f- orbital is called actinoid series. It follows
actinium, Ac (Z = 89) and the elements present in this series are called actinoids.

LANTHANOIDS

 General characteristics of Lanthanoids

 Electronic configuration: - The lanthanoids have electronic configuration with 6s2 filled and
involve the gradual filling of 4f- orbital. It may be noted that the energies of d- orbital (5d)
and the next inner shell f- orbital (4f) are closely similar and, therefore, the order of filling of
4f- orbital in the atom shows quite irregularities. La has the electronic configuration [Xe]
5d16s2. Cerium also has 4f15d16s2 configuration.

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 Oxidation states: - All lanthanoid exhibit a common stable oxidation state of +3. In
addition some lanthanoids show +2 and +4 oxidatoin states also in solution and solid
compound.
a) Ce and Tb exhibit +4 oxidation states
b) Eu and Yb exhibit +2 oxidation states.
c) La, Gd and Lu exhibit only +3 oxidation states.
 Ionization enthalpies: - The first ionization enthalpies of the lanthanoids are the order of
kJ mol-1 and second ionization enthalpies are about 1200 kJ mol-1, comparable with those
of calcium. The variation of third ionization enthalpies show some stabilities (f0), half
filled(f7) and completely filled(f14) f- levels. This is indicated by the abnormally low value
of third ionization

 Colour : - The lanthanoids are silvery white but many of trivalent ions of lanthanoids are
coloured in the solid state as well as in solution. The colour of lanthanoid ions .arises due to
absorption in visible region of the spectrum resulting f- f transitions because they have
partly filled orbital. E.g., Sm2+ is blood red while Eu3+ is pale pink in colour.

 Magnetic properties : - Ions which contains all paired electrons are diamagnetic while
those containing unpaired electrons are paramagnetic. Among the lanthanoids, La3+ and
Lu3+, which have 4f0 or 4f14 electronic configuration are diamagnetic and all other trivalent
lanthanoid ions are paramagnetic because they have unpaired electrons.

 Chemical reactivity : - All the lanthanoids are highly electropositive metals and have
almost similar chemical reactivity. This is due to the fact that the lanthanoids differ only in
the no. of 4f- electrons. The lanthanoids are, in general, more reactive than d- block
elements. Its characteristics are: -
 All the lanthanoids are silvery white soft metals which tarnish readily on exposure to air.
 The hardness of lanthanoids increases with increasing atomic no.
 They have typical metallic structure and are good conductors of heat and electricity.
 In their chemical behavior, the earlier members of the series are quite reactive similar to
calcium.
 They combine with halogens and sulphur to form LnX3, Ln2S3 respectively.
 They combine with nitrogen to form nitrides of the formula, LnN.
 They liberate hydrogen from dilute acids.
 Basic character hydroxides: - All the lanthanoids forms hydroxides formula Ln(OH)3.
these are ionic and basic in character. They are stronger bases than Al(OH)3 but weaker
than Ca(OH)2. Thus, La(OH)3 is strongest base while Lu(OH)3 is the weakest base.
 Atomic or ionic Radii and lanthanoid contraction: - In the lanthanoid series, with
increasing atomic no., and the ionic radii decrease from one elements to another but
decrease is very small. The steady decrease in atomic and ionic sizes lanthanide elements
with increasing atomic no. is called lanthanoid contraction.

 Causes of lanthanoid contraction : - In the lanthanoid series, the nuclear charge increases
by 1 unit and 1 electron is added. The new electrons are added to the same inner 4f- sub
shells. However, the 4f- electrons shield each other from the nuclear charge quite poorly
because of the very diffused shapes of the 4f- orbital. The nuclear charge, however, increases
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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
by one at each step. Hence, with increasing atomic no. and nuclear charge, the effective
nuclear charge experienced by each 4f- electron increases. As a result, the whole of 4f-
electron shell contracts. The sum of successive reduction gives the total lanthanoid
contraction.
 Consequences of lanthanoid contraction: - consequences of lanthanoid contraction are: -
 Resemblance of second and third transition series: - it has significiant effect on relative
properties of the elements. The elements of second and third transition series resemble each
other much more that the elements of first and second transition series.
 Similarity among lanthanoids: - because of very small change in radii of lanthanoids,
their chemical properties are quite similar. Thus it is very difficult to separate the elements
in pure state.
 Basicity differences: - Due to lanthanoid contraction, the basic strength of hydroxides
decreases with increase in atomic no.Thus, La(OH)3 is most basic while Lu(OH)3 is least
basic.
 Uses of lanthanoids: - The uses of lanthanoids are as follows: -
 Cerium constitutes 30 – 50 % of the alloys of lanthanides used for scavenging oxygen and
sulphur from other metals.
 Addition of about 3% misch metal to magnesium increases its strength and is used in
making jet engine parts.
 Steel mixed with La, Ce, Pr and Nd is used in the manufacture of flame throwing tanks.
 Mixed oxides of lanthanides are used as catalysts in petroleum traking.
 Some lanthanides are used as phosphors in television screens and similar fluorescing
surfaces.
 Cerium salts are dying cotton. They are also used as catalysts.
 Gadolinium sulphate heptahydrate has been used to produce very low temperature.

ACTINOIDS

 General characteristics of actinoids: -

 Electronic configuration: - The actinoids involve the filling of 5f- sub shell. Actinium
has the electronic configuration 6d17s2. Th : 5f0 6d27s2 or 5f16d17s2.
 Ionization enthalpies: - The ionization enthalpies of the early actinoids are not
accurately known but these are lower than those of early lanthanoids.
 Physical properties: -
a) Melting and boiling points: - The melting and boiling points of actinoids are
moderately high but they are considerably lower than those of transition elements.
b) Density: - The density of actinoids first increase and then decrease.
c) Enthalpies of fusion and enthalpies of vaporization: - the enthalpies of fusion and
vaporization are measured only for few elements. The enthalpies of vaporization, in general
decrease from Th to Am.
 Oxidation states: - Actinoids show different oxidation states such as +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 and
+7. However, +3 oxidation state is most common among all the actinoids for e.g., the
maximum oxidation state increases from +4 in Th to +5, +6 and +7 in Pa, U and Np
respectively.

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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
 Ionic radii and actinoid contraction: - Actinoids also show actinoids contraction. The size
of the atoms or ions of actinoids decrease regularly along the series with the increase in atomic
no. from actinium to lawrencium. This steady decrease in ionic radii with the increase in atomic
no. is called actionoid contraction. As we move along the series, the nuclear charge and the no.
of 5f- electrons increases by one unit at each step. However due to imperfect shielding of 5f-
orbital, the effective nuclear charge increases which results in contraction of the size.
 Magnetic properties : - most of the actinoid ions are paramagnetic because they contain
unpaired electrons. The ions (Ac3+, Th4+, Lr3+ etc.) which have a electronic cofigurations f0
or f14 diamagnetic.
 Colours of ions: - Actinoid ions are generally coloured. The colour of actinoid ions depends
upon the no. of 5f electrons. The ions containing no. 5f electrons or seven 5f electrons (exatly
half filled f- sub shell) are colourless, as expected. The colour arise due to electronic
transition between various energy states within the 5f- sub shell (f- transitions)
 Formation of complexes: - Actinides also forms complexes. However, actinides have
greater tendency to form complexes in comp[arision to lanthanides. This is because of their
higher charge and smaller size of their ions.
 Chemical reactivity: -
 The actinoid metals are all silvery in appearance and display a variety of structures.
 These are highly reactive metals especially in finely divided form.
 They react with boiling water and form a mixture of oxide and hydride.
 They react with non- metals at moderate temperatures.
 Alkalies have no action with these metals.
COMPARISION OF ACTINOID AND LANTHANOID SERIES
 Similarities between lanthanoid and actinoids
 Both exhibit oxidation state of +3 predominantly.
 In both the series, f- orbital are being progressively filled.
 Actinoids and lanthanoids having same no. of unpaired electrons have quite similar spectra. In the
absorption spectra of the elements of the series, sharp line like bands appear due to f- f transitions.
 Both are electro positive and have high reactivity.
 Like lanthanoid contraction, there is actinoid contraction. These contraction are due to poor shielding of
5f and 4f- electrons. In actinids and lanthanoids respectively.
 The nitrates, perchlorates and sulphates of trivalent actinoids and lanthanoids are soluble where as the
hydroxides, fluorides and carbonates of the elements of both the series are insoluble.
 Actinoids like lanthanoid show ion exchange behavior

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 d & f block elements (by K.Singh)
 Differences between Lanthanoids and Actinoids

Lanthanoids Actinoids
1. Lanthanoids show mainly +3 oxidation state except In addition to +3 oxidation state, actinoids also show
in a few cases where it is +2 and +4. higher oxidation states such as +4, +5, +6 and +7. For
example, uranium exhibits oxidation states of +3, +4,
+5, +6. +7 oxidation states are stable in compounds
such as UF6, UO2+2.

2. Binding energies of 4f are higher. Binding energies of 5f are lower.

3. 4f electrons have greater shielding effect. Therefore, the 5f electrons have poor shielding effect. Therefore, the
contraction in their ionic radii is less. contraction in their sizes is more.

4. The tendency to form complexes is less. They have greater tendency to form complexes.

5. Lanthanoid compounds are less basic. Actionoid compounds are more basic.

They form oxo ions such as UO2+, NpO2+, PuO2+,

6. They do not form oxo ions.
UO22+.

All the actinoids are radioactive.

7. Except promethium these are non - radioactive.
Most of the actinoid ion are coloured. For example U3+
8. Most of their ions are colourless. (red), U4+(green), UO22+(yellow).

They are also paramagnetic but their magnetic

9. They are paramagnetic and their magnetic properties can properties can not be explained.
be easily explained.

 Some important applications of d and f- block elements: -

 Iron and steel are most important construction materials.
 Some precious metals such as gold, sliver and platinum are symbols of wealth of a country.
 Many of the metals and their compound find their importance as essential catalyst in chemical
industry. V2O5 catalysis the oxidation of SO2 in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
 Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) with Al(CH3)3 forms the basis of zieglier- natta type catalyst which
are used in manufacture of polythene.
 Iron catalysts are used in the haber process for the production of ammonia from a mixture nitrogen
and hydrogen.
 Nickel catalyst is used in the hydrogenation of fats.
 In the wacker process of oxidation of ethyne to ethanol is catalysed by PdCl2.
 Nickel complexes are useful in the polymerization of alkynes and other organic compounds such
as benzene.
 The photographic industry depends upon the special light sensitive properties of silver halides
(AgBr).

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