Transition elements

The elements which have partially filled d-orbital are called transition elements (or) The
elements in which last electron enters in the d-orbital are called transition elements. They
are so called because they show transition in their properties from highly electropositive
s-block elements to less electropositive p-block elements. The elements which have fully
filled d-orbital like Zinc, Cadmium and Mercury are not regarded as transition elements.

Electronic configuration:- The general outermost electronic configuration of f-block

elements is (n-1)d1-10 ns1-2. Their last electron enters in the penultimate shell i.e. second
last shell.
Transition elements are consist into four series

1) First transition series:- It starts from scandium having atomic no.21 and ends with zinc
having atomic no.30. It involve the filling of 3d sub-shell and contain ten elements. It
belongs to fourth period. It is also called 3d series.
2) Second transition series:- It starts from ytterium having atomic no.39 and ends with
cadmium having atomic no.48. It involve the filling of 4d sub-shell and contain ten
elements. It belongs to fifth period. It is also called 4d series.

3) Third transition series:- It starts from lanthanum having atomic no.57 and then there is
a gap of 14 elements due to the filling of f-orbital and then again it starts from hafnium
having atomic no. 72 and ends with mercury having atomic no.80. It involves the filling
of 5d-orbital. It belongs to sixth period.

4) Fourth transition series:- It starts from actinium having atomic no.89. It is incomplete
and involve the filling of 6d-orbital. It belongs to seventh period.

Properties:-

Atomic radius:-As we move from left to right in first transition series i.e. from scandium
to zinc, there is no regular variation in atomic size. First the atomic size decreases sharply
but this is upto midway i.e. first five elements.
But after that the decrease in size is very small or almost becomes constant.
But at the end there is increase in size. This can be explained as, on moving from left to
right in first transition series the relative effective nuclear charge goes on increasing so
the force of attraction between the nucleus and valance electrons also goes on increasing
and outer shell is pulled inward, which results in decrease in size.
But at the same time electron is added into the penultimate shell so
the screening effect also goes on increasing. But after the first five elements, it becomes

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effective and tend to decrease the force of attraction between the nucleus and valance
electrons and results in increased size. Thus the two opposing factors cancel each other
so the size remains constant.
But at the end there is slight increase in size. Because penultimate shell
becomes fully filled so inter-electronic repulsion increases which result in increased size.

Metallic character:- All the transition elements are metals. They show all the properties
of metals like conductivity, ductility etc.. Transition metals are different from others
metals because of their hardness and brittleness. Both hardness and brittleness associated
with covalent bonding. It means both metallic and covalent bonding exist togetherly in
transition metals. Covalent bonding is due to dπ-dπ back bonding in half filled d-orbitals.

Note:- Copper, mercury, gold and silver are not hard and brittle. Because of their fully
filled d-orbital, no d-d overlapping takes place.

Hardness and boiling point:- The transition elements are hard and have high boiling
point. This can be explained as follows
Due to the presence of unpaired electrons, the atoms of same elements have tendency to
make bond with each other called dπ-dπ covalent bond. Due to which there are strong
forces between atoms of transition elements.
In transition elements due to their small size of ions there are strong metallic bonding.

Magnetic properties:- On the basis of magnetic character substances are mainly

classified into three types:

a) Diamagnetic substances:- The substance which are weakly repelled when placed in
external magnetic field are called diamagnetic substances. This character is due to
presence of paired electrons.
b) Paramagnetic substance:- The substance which are weakly attracted when placed in
external magnetic field are called paramagnetic substances. This character is due to
presence of unpaired electrons.

c) Ferromagnetic substance:- The substance which are strongly attracted when placed in
external magnetic field are called Ferromagnetic substances. This character is due to
presence of large no. of unpaired electrons
Most of the transition elements are paramagnetic in nature due to presence
of unpaired electrons. As we move from left to right in a transition series, the
paramagnetic character goes on increasing because no. of unpaired electrons also goes on
increasing. But this is upto the first five elements after that, the paramagnetic character
goes on decreasing because the no. of unpaired electrons decreases

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Complex formation:- Complex compounds are those in which there is a central metal
atom or ion to which anion or neutral molecule are attached. e.q. [Cu(NH 3)2Cl2]. The
ligand (anion/neutral molecule) donate a pair of electrons to vacant d-orbital of central
metal atom or ion and form co-ordinate bond. Transition elements have great tendency to
form a large no. of complex compounds due to following reasons:
a) Due to the presence of vacant d-orbital, they have tendency to overlap with the fully
filled orbitals of the ligands
b) Due to the more effective nuclear charge they form stable bonds with the ligands.
c) Due to their small atomic size they form stable bonds with ligands.

Catalytic properties:- Transition elements are used as a catalyst in various chemical

reactions due to following reasons.
a)Transition metal atom have vacant d-orbital due to which the metal atom can accept the
electrons from particular reactant and form temporary bonds with them. These are called
intermediate compound.
b) Due to the formation of bonds, energy is released and this energy is used as activation
energy. It provides a new path for the reactants with low energy barrier.
c)Reactant molecules get adsorb on the surface of catalyst due to which the surface area
as well as concentration of the reactants increases and thus increase the speed of reaction.

Coloured compound:- Most of the transition metal complex are coloured in nature due
to presence of free electron. According to crystal field splitting theory when the ligands
approach the metal ion for bond formation, they do not get remain degenerate and split
into two sets. The one set is made up of three orbitals (d xy, dyz, and dxz) having lower
energy called t2g orbitals. The other set have two orbitals (d x2-y2 and dz2) having higher
energy called eg orbitals. The electrons in the t2g orbitals get excited to eg orbitals by
absorbing radiations in the visible region of spectrum and transmit the remaining
radiations. The observable colour is complementary to absorb light.

Variable oxidation state:- Most of the transition metals show variable oxidation state.
Because in addition to s-electrons, d-electrons also participate in the chemical reactions.
Depending upon the no. of d-electrons participate they show +3, +4, +5, etc.. oxidation
state.
Some important features:
1) Most common oxidation state shown by transition elements is +2 because they have
mostly two electrons in the outer orbital.
2) The maximum oxidation state in first transition series is shown by manganese i.e.+7 in
KMnO4.
3) In second and third series the maximum oxidation state is shown by Ruthenium and
Osmium i.e.+8.

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4) Oxidation state increases upto first five elements because no. of d-electrons increases
but after that the oxidation state is not related to electronic configuration
5) In some cases transition elements can show zero oxidation state also e.q. [Ni(CO) 4].
The transition metals which shows oxidation state of +2 and +3 generally form ionic
bonds and those showing higher oxidation state forms covalent bonds.

Interstitial compound:- The non-metal of small atomic size like carbon, boron etc.. get
entrapped themselves into the interstitial site of the crystal lattice of transition metal.
Such compounds are called interstitial compounds. The physical properties of substances
get affected but chemical properties remains same. Due to which they become hard and
have high tensile strength. e.q. steel.

Alloy formation:- Alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or metal and
non-metal. It can be obtained by melting together the constituents and then cooling the
mixture. Transition elements form a no. of alloy because they have almost same size. So
the atoms of one metal can take the position of other. Alloy are harder and have high
melting point than pure metal. Their conductance is less than pure metal.

Potassium Dichromate:-
Preparation:- It is generally prepared from chromite ore (FeCr 2O4). It involves following
steps.
1) Conversion of chromite ore into sodium chromate:- Chromite ore is fused with NaOH
or Na2CO3 in the presence of air to give sodium chromate.
4 FeCr2O4 + 16NaOH + 7O2 → 8 Na2Cr2O4 + 2Fe2O3 + 8H2O
(or) 4 FeCr2O4 + 16Na2CO3 + 7O2 → 8 Na2Cr2O4 + 2Fe2O3 + 8CO2
2) Conversion of sodium chromate into sodium dichromate:- The product formed above
is dissolved in water making yellow colour solution of sodium chromate and leaving
behind insoluble Fe2O3. The solution is filtered and treated with conc. H 2SO4 to give
sodium dichromate.
2Na2Cr2O4 + H2SO4 → Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O

On cooling Na2SO4 crystallises as Na2SO4 .10 H2O and can be separated.

3) Conversion of sodium dichromate into potassium dichromate:- The hot and

concentrated solution of sodium dichromate is treated with potassium chloride solution to
give potassium dichromate.

Na2Cr2O7 + 2KCl → K2Cr2O7 + 2NaCl

Properties of potassium dichromate:-

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 1)Action of heat:- It decomposes upon heating to give potassium chromate.
. 4K2Cr2O7 → 4K2CrO4 + 2Cr2O3 + 3O2
2) Action of alkali/ effect of pH:- When an alkali is added to orange coloured potassium
dichromate solution (i.e. pH of the solution increases), it changes into yellow coloured
solution of potassium chromate.
K2Cr2O7 + 2KOH → 2K2CrO4 + H2O
(orange) (yellow)

3)Action of conc. H2SO4:- On treating with cold conc. H 2SO4, red coloured crystal of
chromic anhydride are formed.
K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4 → 2CrO3 + 2KHSO4 + H2O

But on heating with conc. H2SO4, O2 is formed.

2K2Cr2O7 + 8H2SO4 →2K2SO4 + 2Cr2(SO4)3 +8H2O + 3O2

Oxidising nature:- Potassium dichromate is a strong oxidising agent. In acidic solution it

is represented as

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 +4H2O + 3[O]

(or) Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6e- →2Cr3+ + 7H2O

Some reactions in which potassium dichromate acts as an oxidising agent.

a) It oxidises iodides into iodine as:

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

2KI + H2SO4 + [O] → K2SO4 + I2 + H2O]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 6KI → 4 K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3I2

(or) Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6I- → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3I2

This reaction is used in the estimation of iodide ions in volumetric analysis.

b) It oxidises ferrous sulphate into ferric sulphate as:

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 K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]
2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + [O] → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 6FeSO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + Fe2(SO4)3 + 7H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6Fe2+ → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 6Fe3+ + 7H2O

c) It oxidises H2S into S as:

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

H2S + [O] → S + H2O]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3S + 7H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 8H+ +3H2S → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3S

d) It oxidises sodium sulphites into sodium sulphate as:

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

Na2SO3 + [O] → Na2SO4]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3Na2SO3→ K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3 Na2SO4+ 4H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 3SO3-2 → 2Cr3+ + 3SO42- + 4H2O

e) It oxidises halogen acid into halogen as:

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

2HX + [O] → X2 + H2O]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 6HX → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3X2 + 7H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 6HX → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3X2

f) It oxidises sulphur dioxide into sulphuric acid as:

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

SO2 + [O] + H2O → H2SO4]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 3SO2 + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 2H+ +3SO2 → 2Cr3+ + H2O + 3SO42-

g) It oxidises ethyl alcohol into aldehyde and acetic acid :

K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

C2H5OH + [O] → CH3CHO + H2O

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CH3CHO + [O] → CH3COOH

h) It oxidises stannous chloride into stannic chloride as:

K2Cr2O7 + 8HCl → 2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 4H2O + 3[O]

SnCl2 + 2HCl + [O] → SnCl4 + H2O]× 3
K2Cr2O7 + 3SnCl2 + 14HCl → 2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 3SnCl4 + 7H2O

(or) Cr2O72- + 3Sn 2+ +14H+ → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3Sn 4+

 Chromyl Chloride Test:- When potassium dichromate is heated with conc. H 2SO4
and metal chloride like NaCl, orange-red vapours of chromyl chloride are formed.

K2Cr2O7 + 4NaCl + 6 H2SO4 → 2KHSO4 + 4NaHSO4 + 2CrO2Cl2 + H2O

Structure of chromate ion:- The chromate ion has

a tetrahedral structure in which four oxygen
atoms are joined tetrahedraly to chromium atom.

Structure of dichromate ion:- Dichromate ion

consist of two tetrahedral sharing one oxygen
atom at a common corner. Each of two chromium
atom at the centre of tetrahedral is joined to four
oxygen atoms.

Potassium permanganet:-

Preparation:- It is prepared from pyrolusite (MnO2). It involves the following steps:

1) Conversion of pyrolusite ore into potassium manganate:- Finely powered pyrolusite is

fused with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate in the presence of air or an
oxidising agent like potassium nitrate.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 → 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
(or) 2MnO2 + K2CO3 + O2 → 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O

2) Conversion of potassium manganate into potassium permanganate:-

It can be done by two methods:

a)Chemical oxidation b)Electrolytic oxidation

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a) Chemical oxidation:- In this process CO2 or Cl2 is passed through aqueous solution of
potassium manganate.
2K2MnO4 + Cl2 → 2KMnO4 + 2KCl
2K2MnO4 + CO2 → 2KMnO4 + MnO2 + K2CO3

b) Electrolytic method:- When electricity is passed through aqueous solution of

potassium manganate, the purple coloured potassium manganate is liberated at anode.
K2MnO4 → 2K+ + MnO42-
H2O → H+ + OH-

At anode:- Green coloured permanganate ion (MnO 42-) oxidised to purple coloured
manganate ion (MnO4- ).

MnO42- → MnO4- + e-

At cathode:- Hydrogen gas is liberated at cathode.

2H+ +2e- → H2

Equivalent weight of KMnO4 in different medium:-

1.Equivalent weight of KMnO4 in neutral medium:-

MnO4- + 2H2O + 3e- → MnO2 + 4OH-

Equivalent weight = Molecular weight of KMnO4 = 158 = 52.67

No. of electrons gained per molecule 3

2.Equivalent weight of KMnO4 in alkaline medium:-

MnO4- + e- → MnO4-2

Equivalent weight = Molecular weight of KMnO4 = 158 = 158

No. of electrons gained per molecule 1

3.Equivalent weight of KMnO4 in acidic medium:-

MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- → Mn2+ +4H2O

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Equivalent weight = Molecular weight of KMnO4 = 158 = 31.6
No. of electrons gained per molecule 5

Properties of potassium permanganate:-

a) Action of heat:- When it is heated at high temperature around 523K, it readily

decomposes to potassium manganate.
2KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
b) Oxidising character:-

1) In acidic medium:- KMnO4 solution acidified with dilute H2SO4 is used as an

oxidising agent.

2KMnO4 +3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

(or) MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- → Mn2+ +4H2O

a) It oxidises ferrous salt into ferric salt:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + [O] → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O] × 5
2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 + 10FeSO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5Fe2(SO4)3

(or) 2MnO4- + 16H+ +10Fe2+ → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 10Fe3+

b) It oxidises oxalic acid into CO2 and H2O:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

C2H2O4 + [O] → H2O + CO2] × 5
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5C2H2O4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 10CO2
(or) 2MnO4- + 16H+ + 5C2O42- → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O +10CO2

c) It oxidises H2S into S:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

H2S + [O] → S + H2O]× 5
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 +5 H2S → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O +5S
(or) 2MnO4- + 16H+ +5s2- → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O +5S

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d) It oxidises sulphur dioxide into sulphuric acid:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

SO2 + [O] + H2O → H2SO4]× 5
2KMnO4 + 2H2O + 5SO2 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 2H2SO4

(or) 2MnO4- + 2H2O + 5SO2 → 2Mn2+ + 5SO42- + 4H+

e) It oxidises sodium arsenite into sodium arsenate:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

Na3AsO3 + [O] → Na3AsO4 ] × 5
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5Na3AsO3 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5Na3AsO4

(or) 2MnO4- + 6H+ +5AsO33- → 2Mn2+ + 3H2O + 5AsO43-

f) It oxidises potassium iodide into iodine:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

2KI + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + I2 + H2O]× 5
2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 + 10KI → 6K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5I2

(or) 2KMnO4 +16H+ +10I- → 2Mn2+ +8H2O +5I2

g) It oxidises hydrogen peroxide into O2:

2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]

H2O2 → H2O + [O] ] × 5
[O] + [O] → O2] × 5
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5 H2O2 → 6K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 8H2O + 5H2O

(or) 2MnO4- + 6H+ + 5H2O2 → 2Mn2+ +8H2O +5O2

2) In alkaline medium:- In the presence of alkali, purple coloured
permanganate ions reduced to green coloured manganate ions and in the presence of a
reducing agent manganate ions are further reduced to MnO2 .
4KMnO4 + 4KOH → 4K2MnO4 + 2H2O + O2

(or) 4MnO4- + 4OH- → 4MnO4-2 + 2H2O + O

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a) It oxidises potassium iodide into potassium iodate:

2KMnO4 + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]

KI + 3[O] → KIO3
2KMnO4 + H2O + KI → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + KIO3

(or) 2MnO4- + 6I- + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2OH- + IO3-

b) Cold alkaline solution of potassium permanganate (Bayer’s reagent) is used to test the
presence of unsaturation in given compound.

CH2=CH2 + H2O + [O] → CH2-CH2

ǀ ǀ
OH OH

3) In neutral medium:- In neutral medium it act as good oxidising agent.

2KMnO4 + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]

(or) 2MnO4- + H2O + 3e- → MnO2 + 2OH-

a) It oxidises H2S into S:

2KMnO4 + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]
H2S +[O] → H2O] × 3
2KMnO4 + 3H2S → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 2H2O + 3S

(or) 2MnO4- + 3H2S → MnO2 + 2OH- + H2SO4 + 3S

b) It oxidises manganese sulphate into manganese dioxide:

2KMnO4 + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]

MnSO4 + H2O + [O] → MnO2 + H2SO4] × 3
2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2H2O
2KMnO4 + 3MnSO4 + 2H2O→ 5MnO2 + K2SO4 + 2H2SO4
(or) 2MnO4- + 3Mn2- + 2H2O → 5MnO2 + 4H+

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c) It oxidises sodium thiosulphate into sodium sulphate:

2KMnO4 + H2O → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3[O]

Na2S2O3 + [O] → Na2SO4 + S] × 3
2KMnO4 + H2O + 3Na2S2O3 → 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 3Na2SO4 + 3S
or) 2MnO4- + 3H2O + 3S2O32- → MnO2 + 2OH- + 3SO42- + 3S

Structure of manganate and permanganate ion:- Both manganate and permanganate

ions have tetrahedral structure but the oxidation state of manganese ion is different in
these two ions i.e. +7 in permanganate and +6 in manganate ion. Moreover the colour of
both ions is also different.

Reasoning Questions

1. Qus:- Why zinc cadmium and mercury are not regarded as transition elements?
Ans:- Because zinc cadmium and mercury have fully filled d-orbital and transition
elements are those which have partially filled d-orbital.

2.Qus:- Why each transition series contain ten elements?

Ans:- As d-orbital can accommodate maximum ten electrons so each transition series
contain ten elements.

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3.Qus:- Why zinc cadmium and mercury are diamagnetic in nature?
Ans:- Because they do not have any unpaired electron.

4.Qus:- Why transition elements show similar properties in period also in addition to
group?
Ans:- On moving in a period new electrons are added in valance shell but in
transition elements new electrons are added in the penultimate shell so electronic
configuration of valance shell remains same. As properties depends upon the no. of
valance electrons. So transition elements show similar properties in period also in
addition to group.

5.Qus:- Why transition elements are weaker reducing agent as compared to s-block
elements?
Ans:- Due to high ionization energy of transition elements as compared to s-block
elements it is difficult for them to loose electron easily. So transition elements are weaker
reducing agent than s-block elements.

6.Qus:- Why transition elements are also called d-block elements?

Ans:- Because their last electron enters in the d-sub-shell.

7.Qus:- Why Cu+ is diamagnetic in nature whereas Cu+2 is weakly paramagnetic?

Ans:- This is because the outermost electronic configuration of Cu + ion is 3d10 so it has
all paired electrons so it is diamagnetic whereas electronic configuration of Cu +2 ion is
3d9 so it has one unpaired electron so it is weakly paramagnetic.

8.Qus:- Why the compounds of Zn+2,Cd+2 and Hg+2 are colourless?

Ans:- Because they all have paired electrons so no d-d transition takes place.

9.Qus:- Why compounds of Cu+ are colourless whereas that of Cu+2 are coloured?
(or)Why cuprous chloride is colourless whereas cupric chloride is coloured?
Ans:- This is because the outermost electronic configuration of Cu + ion is 3d10 so it has
all paired electrons so no d-d transition takes place. So it is colourless whereas the
outermost electronic configuration of Cu+2 ion is 3d9 so it has one unpaired electron so d-d
transition takes place so it is coloured.

10.Qus:- What are coinage metals?

Ans:- Copper, silver and gold are called coinage metals.

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11.Qus:- Why is third ionization energy of manganese very high?
Ans:- Because Mn+2 ion very stable due to exact half filled electronic configuration i.e.
3d5 so removal of electron is very difficult. So third ionization energy of manganese is
very high.

12.Qus:- Why transition elements have high energy of atomization?

Ans:- Energy of atomization means amount of energy required to break metallic kernels
into isolated atoms. Due to strong interatomic forces between transition atoms they have
high energy of atomization.

13.Qus:- Why Ni+2 compounds are thermodynamically more stable than Pt +2 compounds
whereas Pt+4 compounds are more stable than Ni+4?
Ans:- The sum of value of two ionization energies for Ni +2 is less than Pt +2. So Ni+2
compounds are thermodynamically more stable than Pt +2. Whereas sum of value of four
ionization energies for Ni+4is more than Pt+4. So Ni+4compounds are thermodynamically
less stable than Pt+4.

14.Qus:- Why Zn, Cd and Hg are volatile metals?

Ans:- Due to their filled d-orbitals no d-d transition takes place so these three metals do
not have multiple bonds and have weak interatomic forces. So they are volatile metals.

15.Qus:- Why [Ti(H2O)6]+3 is coloured whereas [Sc((H2O)6]+3 is colourless?

Ans:- Because [Ti (H2O)6 ]+3 has one unpaired electron whereas
[Sc((H2O)6]+3 does not have any unpaired electron. So d-d transition takes place in
former case but not in later case. So [Ti(H 2O)6]+3 is coloured whereas [Sc((H2O)6]+3 is
colourless.

16.Qus:- Why hydrated CuSO4.5H2O is coloured?

Ans:- Because H2O molecules act as ligands so when they approach Cu +2 ion for bond
formation, five d-orbitals of Cu+2 ion split into two sets. One having higher energy and
other have lower energy. So electrons in lower energy level excited to higher energy level
i.e. d-d transition takes place. So it is coloured in nature.

17.Qus:- Why Cr+2 a strong reducing agent whereas Mn+2 is not?

Ans:- This is because the stable oxidation state of chromium is +3 so Cr +2 ion has strong
tendency to loose one electron so it act as reducing agent. Whereas the stable oxidation

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state of manganese is +2 so Mn +2 ion has no tendency to loose any electron so it does not
act as reducing agent.

18.Qus:- Why Cr+2 a strong reducing agent whereas Mn +3 is an oxidising agent although
both have d4 outer electronic configuration?
Ans:- Because the stable oxidation state of chromium is +3 so it has strong tendency to
loose one electron so it act as reducing agent. Whereas the stable oxidation state of
manganese is +2 so it has tendency to gain one electron so it act as oxidising agent.

19.Qus:- Why transition metal oxide with lower oxidation state is basic in nature while
oxide of similar metal with higher oxidation state is acidic in nature?
Ans:- Because in different oxide of similar metal, acidic character increases with increase
in the oxidation state of the element. So transition metal oxide with lower oxidation state
is basic in nature while oxide of similar metal with higher oxidation state is acidic in
nature. e.q. MnO with +2 oxidation state is basic in nature whereas Mn 2O7 with +7
oxidation state is acidic in nature.

20.Qus:- Why transition metals are less reactive than alkali and alkaline earth metals?
Ans:- Due to small size of transition metals, their ionization energy is more than alkali
and alkaline earth metals. Moreover they also have high heat of sublimation and do not
get easily hydrated. So transition metals are less reactive than alkali and alkaline earth
metals.

21.Qus:- Why transition metals show higher oxidation state in oxides and fluoride?
Ans:- Because due to high electronegativity of oxygen and fluorine, they can easily
oxidise the metal to higher oxidation state. So transition metals show higher oxidation
state in oxides and fluoride.

22.Qus:- Why Fe+3 is more stable than Fe+2?

Ans:- The outermost electronic configuration of Fe +2 ion is 3d6 whereas that of Fe+3 ion is
3d5 i.e. it has exact half filled electronic configuration due to which Fe +3 is more stable
than Fe+2.

23.Qus:- Which one is more paramagnetic Fe+3 or Fe+2?

Ans:- The outermost electronic configuration of Fe +2 ion is 3d6 whereas that of Fe+3 ion is
3d5, so Fe+3 ion has five unpaired electrons whereas Fe +2 ion has only four. As more the

15
no. of unpaired electrons, more the paramagnetic character so Fe +3 has more
paramagnetic character than Fe+2 .

24.Qus:- Name the oxo-metal anions of the first series of the transition series in which the
metal ion exhibits the oxidation state equal to its group number?
Ans:- In K2Cr2O7 the oxidation state of Chromium is +6 which is also its group number.
Second case is of KMnO4 in which the oxidation state of manganese is +7 which is also
its group number.

25.Qus:- Why mercury is liquid at room temperature?

Ans:- Because mercury has fully filled d-orbital so there is weak interatomic force of
attraction due to which metallic bonds are weak. So it is liquid at room temperature.

26.Qus:- Why do transition elements have high enthalpy of hydration?

Ans:- Because of small size of their ions and higher charge on ions.

27.Qus:- Why +2 oxidation state becomes more stable upto first five elements of first
transition series?
Ans:- Because after loosing two electrons from s-orbital ionic radii decreases, moreover
nuclear charge increases on moving from left to right in series.

28.Qus:- Why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solution?

Ans:- This is because the hydration energy of Cu+2 ion is high which is more than the
second ionization energy of copper. So Cu+2 ion is more stable than Cu+ ion.

29.Qus:- Which is a stronger reducing agent Fe+2 or Cr+2?

Ans:- Fe+2 is a stronger reducing agent because after loosing an electron it converts into
Fe+3 ion, which have exact half filled d-orbital which is more stable.

30.Qus:- Why Zn+2 salts are white whereas Cu+2 salts are blue?
Ans:- Because the outermost electronic configuration of Zn +2 ion is 3d10 so it has all
paired electrons so no d-d transition takes place. So its salts are white whereas the
outermost electronic configuration of Cu+2 ion is 3d9 so it has one unpaired electron so d-d
transition takes place so its salts are blue.

31.Qus:- The transition metal ions such as Cu+, Ag+ and Sc+3 are colourless. Why?

16
Ans:- Because all these three ions do not have any unpaired electrons. So no d-d
transition takes place so they are colourless.

32.Qus:- Why osmium forms a +8 oxidation state compound with oxygen only and not
with fluorine?
Ans:- The space around the osmium is small so only four oxygen atoms can bind to it and
not eight fluorine atoms because they require large space.

33.Qus:- Why transition elements are metals?

Ans:- Because of their low ionization energy and small kernel size, strong metallic
bonding is present in them. So they are metals.

34.Qus:- Out of Fe and Cu, which one has higher melting point?
Ans:- Fe has more melting point than Cu. Because Fe has four unpaired electrons so it
has more number of dπ-dπ bonds. Whereas Cu has only one unpaired electron so metallic
bonds are weak.
35.Qus:-Why chromium group elements have the highest melting point in their respective
group?
Ans:- This is because they have highest number of unpaired electrons in their d-sub-shell
so strong bonds are formed due to dπ- dπ bonding.

36.Qus:- Why Mn+2 shows maximum paramagnetic character amongst the divalent ions
of first transition series?
Ans:- Because Mn+2 has maximum five number of unpaired electrons, so it is highly
paramagnetic.

37.Qus:- Why Ce+4 acts as an oxidising agent?

(or) Why Ce+4 is used as an oxidising agent in volumetric analysis?
Ans:- Because it has strong tendency to gain one electron.

38.Qus:- Why KMnO4 is purple in colour?

Ans:- Charge transfer occurs when oxygen gives its electron to Mn and making it Mn +6
due to which d-d transition takes place and give purple colour.
39.Qus:- Why is AgF soluble in water?
Ans:- Because it is ionic in nature and its hydration energy is more than lattice energy. So
it is soluble in water.

40.Qus:- Why does iron becomes passive with aqua regia?

Ans:- Because it forms a layer of oxide which act as a protective covering.

17
41.Qus:- Why I.E.1 ionization energy of third transition series (5d-series) is more than
first (3d-series) and second (4d-series) transition series?
Ans:- Because third transition series have fully filled f-sub-shell. As f-electrons have
poor shielding effect so outer electrons experience more nuclear charge whereas first and
second transition series do not involve f-electrons so I.E. 1 ionization energy of third
transition series (5d-series) is more than first (3d-series) and second (4d-series) transition
series.

42.Qus:- Why transition elements shows large no. of oxidation state than f-block
elements?
Ans:-Because of small energy difference between (n-1)d and ns electrons, both take
participation in chemical reaction. Whereas energy difference is large between (n-2)f and
ns electrons. So all the f-electrons do not participate in chemical reaction.

43.Qus:- Why CuCl2 is a covalent whereas CuF2 is an ionic compound ?

(or) Why transition metal fluoride are ionic in nature whereas transition metal chloride
are covalent?
Ans:- The electronegativity of fluorine is more than chlorine, so CuF 2 is ionic whereas
CuCl2 is covalent.

44.Qus:- Co+2 ion is stable but in the presence of strong ligands it easily oxidise to Co +3?
Ans:- Strong ligand provides energy to overcome 3 rd ionization energy so it easily
oxidised to Co+3.

45.Qus:- Why copper is a transition metal whereas sodium is a metal?

Ans:- Because copper has partially filled d-orbital so it is a transition metal whereas
sodium does not has partially filled d-orbital so it is not a transition
metal.

46.Qus:- Why transition metals form a large no. of interstitial compounds?

Ans:- Because they have voids in their crystal lattice so small sized atoms like carbon,
boron etc.. get entrapped in these voids and form interstitial compounds.

47.Qus:- Why transition metals are used as a catalyst?

Ans:- Because they can show multiple oxidation state and form unstable intermediate by
reacting with one of the reactant, which readily decomposed into product.

48.Qus:- Why transition metals form coloured compounds?

Ans:- Transition metals have unpaired electrons due to which dπ-dπ transition takes
place. So transition metals forms coloured compounds.

18
49.Qus:- Which transition metal does not show multiple oxidation state?
Ans:- Scandium.
50.Qus:- Why transition metals form a number of alloys?
Ans:- Because transition metals have almost similar atomic size so atoms of one metal
can easily replace the atoms of other metal in their crystal lattice and form a large number
of alloy.

51.Qus:- Why Mn+2 compounds are more stable than Fe+2 compounds towards oxidation?
Ans: Because Mn+2 ion has exact half filled electronic configuration i.e. 3d 5 so it cannot
loose electron easily. Whereas Fe+2 ion can easily loose an electron to acquire exact half
filled electronic configuration i.e. 3d5.

52.Qus:- Why silver halides are used in photography?

Ans:- Silver halide are used in photography for preparing photographic film. It has a
layer of emulsion of silver halide in gelatin and water applied to glass. The exposure of
photographic film to the object results in the decomposition of silver halide on the film
and turn black due to liberation of free silver. 2AgBr → 2Ag + Br2

53.Qus:- What is the use of sodium thiosulphate in photography?

Ans:- Sodium thiosulphate is used in photography to remove unexposed AgBr as a
soluble pigment.

AgBr + 2Na2S2O3 → Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr

54.Qus:- Why is it not advisable to dissolve KMnO4 in conc. H2SO4?

(or) A serious accident occurred in chemistry laboratory when a student tried to dissolve
KMnO4 in conc. H2SO4 instead of dilute H2SO4?
Ans:- Because KMnO4 reacts with conc. H2SO4 to form Mn2O7 which is highly explosive
substance and explosion occurs.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + Mn2O7 + H2O
2Mn2O7 → 4MnO2 + 3O2
55.Qus:- Why HCl is not used to acidify potassium permanganate solution in volumetric
analysis?
Ans:- Because the oxygen produced by KMnO4 oxidise the HCl to Cl2 .
4HCl + 2[O] → 2H2O + Cl2

56.Qus:- Why K2Cr2O7 is preferred over Na2Cr2O7 in volumetric analysis?

Ans:- This is because Na2Cr2O7 is hygroscopic and therefore absorb moisture from the
environment. So its standard solution cannot be prepared.

19
57.Qus:- What is a standard solution?
Ans:- A solution of known strength is called standard solution.

58.Qus:- Why Cr2O4- is a strong oxidising agent whereas MnO42- is not?

Ans:- Cr2O4- in which Cr is in +6 oxidation state can change into Cr +3 ion by gaining
electrons. So it act as oxidising agent. Whereas in MnO 42- the oxidation state of Mn is
+6 which is not stable and get easily loose electron and form MnO 4-. So it act as reducing
agent.

59.Qus:- Why is KMnO4 stored in dark coloured bottles?

Ans:- Because KMnO4 easily decomposes in the presence of sunlight.
2KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
60.Qus:- Copper and silver are less reactive but still they occur as sulphides in nature.
Why?
Ans:- Because of small size of copper and silver ions, their polarizing power is very high.
So their sulphides are more stable.
61.Qus:- What is german silver?
Ans:- It contains 25-30% Cu, 25-30% Zn and 40-50% Ni. It is used to make artificial
jewellary.

62.Qus:- Why is there generally an increase in density of element from titanium to

copper?
Ans:- Because on moving from titanium to copper, atomic mass increases, atomic size
and volume decreases and therefore density also increases.

63.Qus:- Why metal-metal bonding is very frequent in heavy transition elements?

Ans:- This is because of their small size, more no. of unpaired electrons and high energy
of atomization.

64.Qus:- What is disproportionation reaction?

Ans:- A reaction in which one of the reactant undergoes both oxidation and reduction
simultaneously is called disproportionation reaction.
+6 +7 +4
2- + -
3MnO + 4H → 2MnO4 + 2H2O + MnO2
4
In this reaction, Mn in +6 oxidation state undergoes disproportionation to Mn in +7 and
+4 oxidation state.
65.Qus:- Can KMnO4 act as both oxidising as well as reducing agent?

20
Ans:- In KMnO4, the oxidation state of Mn is +7 which is highest of Mn. So it has
tendency to gain electrons only so it act as an oxidising agent only.

66.Qus:- In which medium KMnO4 act as strong oxidising agent?

Ans:- In acidic medium because in this medium it gains maximum no. of electrons and it
oxidation state changes from +7 to +2.
+7 +2
- + -
MnO + 8H +5e → Mn + 4H2O
4

67.Qus:- What is a misch metal?

Ans:- It is an alloy of 95% lanthanoid, 5% iron, and traces of C, S, Al and Ca. It is used
for making bullets, shell etc.

68.Qus:- What happens when potassium manganate is electrochemically oxidised?

Ans:- When electricity is passed through aqueous solution of potassium manganate
(green coloured), the purple coloured potassium manganate is liberated at anode.
2K2MnO4 + 2H2O → 2KMnO4 + 2KOH + H2
(at anode) (at cathode)

69.Qus:- Why metallic radii of third transition series (5d) is same as that of second (4d)
transition series?
(or) Why Zirconium and Hafnium has almost same atomic radii?
Ans:- This is due to lanthanide contraction.

70.Qus:- Why the oxidising power of oxo-anions are in the order VO 2+ < Cr2O72- <
-
MnO4 ?
Ans:- More the oxidation state of a central metal atom or ion more stronger will be the
oxidising power. As Mn has highest oxidation state (+7) in MnO4- so it is strong oxidising
agent than Cr2O72- and VO2+ in which oxidation state of Cr and V is +6 and +5
respectively.

71.Qus:- Why the π-complexes are known for transition elements only?
Ans:- Because transition elements has unpaired d-electrons due to which
dπ-dπ back bonding takes place so π-complexes are known for transition elements only.

72.Qus:- What happens when CrO2Cl2 is dissolved in NaOH?

Ans:- When CrO2Cl2 is dissolved in NaOH it wiil form sodium chromate.
. CrO2Cl2 + 2NaOH → Na2CrO4 + 2HCl

21
73.Qus:- K2PtCl6 exists whereas K2NiCl6 does not. Why?
Ans:- Because Pt (IV) ion is more stable than Ni (IV) ion as the sum of four ionization
energies of Pt has lower value than that of Ni. So K 2PtCl6 exists whereas K2NiCl6 does
not.

74.Qus:- An aqueous solution of potassium chromate is yellow in colour but changes its
colour on decreasing the pH of the solution. Why?
Ans:- Because on decreasing the pH of the solution potassium chromate changes into
potassium dichromate which is orange in colour.

75.Qus:- The Eo value of Mn3+/Mn2+couple is very high than Cr3+/Cr2+ couple. Why ?
Ans:- Because Mn3+/Mn2+ couple act as a strong oxidising agent than Cr3+/Cr2+ couple.

76.Qus:- Scandium (Z = 21) does not exhibit variable oxidation state yet it is regarded as
a transition element. Why ?
Ans:- Because scandium has partially filled d-orbitals.

F-Block elements

The elements in which last electron enters in the f-sub-shell are called f-block elements.
They are also called inner transition elements because they are present within the
transition series. Their last electron enters in the anti-penultimate shell i.e. third last shell.
These elements are divided into two series as

22
1) Lanthanoide series:- It starts from Cerium having atomic no. 58 and ends with
Lutetium having atomic no. 71. It involves the filling of 4f sub-shell. It contains 14
elements. Except Promethium they all are non-radioactive. These are also known as
‘Lanthanons’.

2) Actinoide series:- It starts from thorium having atomic no.90 and ends with
‘Lawrencium’ having atomic no.103. It also have 14 elements. It involves the filling of 5f
sub-shell. All the actinoides are radioactive. Except thorium, uranium and protactinium
all are synthetic elements. They are also known as ‘Actinones’.

Electronic configuration:- The general outermost electronic configuration of these

elements is [(n-2)0-14 (n-1)d0-1 ns2]. The electrons from 4f orbital jumps to 5d orbital to
attain stable configuration like 4f0, 4f7 and 4f14.
0 1 2
e.q. 57[La] = 54[Xe] 4f 5d 6s

63 [Eu] = 54[Xe] 4f7 5d0 6s2

64[Gd] = 54[Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2

9 0 2
65[Tb] = 54 [Xe] 4f 5d 6s

Oxidation state:- The common oxidation state shown by lanthanoides is +3. But they
also show oxidation state of +2 and +4. This is because of their tendency to acquire stable
configuration like 4f0, 4f7 and 4f14.

1) Lanthanum, gadolinium and lutetium shows the oxidation state of +3.

57[La] = 54[Xe] 4f0 5d1 6s2

+3 0 0 0
57[La] = 54[Xe] 4f 5d 6s

[Gd] = 54[Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2

64
+3 7 0 0
64[Gd] = 54[Xe] 4f 5d 6s
14 1 2
71[Lu] = 54[Xe] 4f 5d 6s
+3 14 0 0
71[Lu] = 54[Xe] 4f 5d 6s
2) Cerium and Turbium shows the oxidation state of +4. Because after showing the
oxidation state of +4. They acquire stable configuration.

[Tb]+4 = 54[Xe] 4f7 5d0 6s0

65

58 [Ce]+4 = 54[Xe] 4f05d0 6s0

23
3) Europium and ytterbium shows oxidation state of +2. Because they
acquire stable configuration.
70[Yb] = 54[Xe] 4f14 5d0 6s2

[Yb]+2 = 54[Xe] 4f14 5d0 6s0

70

63 [Eu] = 54[Xe] 4f75d0 6s2

63 [Eu]+2 =54[Xe] 4f7 5d0 6s0

Physical properties:- All the lanthanoides are malleable and ductile. They have high
melting point. These are good conductor of heat and electricity and are grey in colour.

a) Electropositive character:- Lanthanoides are highly electropositive in nature. They

have strong tendency to loose the electrons and form positive ion. Generally they form
trivalent ion. But the electropositive character decreases from lanthanum to lutetium.
Because ionization energy increases from lanthanum to lutetium.

b) Coloured ions:- Many of the lanthanoides form coloured ions in solid state and in
solution. This is because of the presence of unpaired electrons, f-f transition takes place

Note:- It is observed that the colour of the ion containing nf electrons is same as that of
containing (14-n) electrons.
e.q. 59[Pr] = 54[Xe]4f35d0 6s2
+3
59[Pr] = 54[Xe]4f2 5d0 6s0

69 [Tm] = [Xe]4f135d0 6s2

54

69 [Tm]+3 = 54[Xe]4f125d0 6s0

c) Magnetic character:- Most of the transition elements are coloured in nature due to
presence of unpaired electrons and those contains paired electrons are diamagnetic in
nature. e.q. La+3 and Lu+3 have electronic configuration is 4f 0 and 4f14 so all the electrons
are paired and hence diamagnetic in nature.

d) Basic character:- Hydroxide of lanthanoides are basic in nature. But basic character
of hydroxides decreases on moving from lanthanum to lutetium. Because on moving
from lanthanum to lutetium atomic size goes on decreasing. So polarization of larged
sized hydroxide ion increases from lanthanum to lutetium so covalent character of

24
hydroxide also increases. In turn tendency to give hydroxide ion decreases so basic
character also decreases. This is the reason why La(OH)3 is more basic than Lu(OH)3.

Lanthanide contraction:- The steady decrease in the size of lanthanide ions with
increase in atomic number is called lanthanide contraction.

Cause of Lanthanide contraction:- In lanthanoides last electrons are added in the anti-
penultimate shell i.e. 4f sub-shell and f-electrons have poor shielding effect. Moreover
nuclear charge increases with increase in atomic no. of lanthanoides. So force of
attraction also increases between the nucleus and valance electrons and hence size
continuously decreases. This is also the reason why Lu+3 has lesser ionic radii than La+3.

Consequences of lanthanide contraction:-

a) Basic character:- Hydroxide of lanthanoides are basic in nature. But basic character
of hydroxides decreases on moving from lanthanum to lutetium. Because on moving
from lanthanum to lutetium atomic size goes on decreasing due to lanthanide contraction.
So polarization of larged sized hydroxide ion increases from lanthanum to lutetium so
covalent character of hydroxide also increases. In turn tendency to give hydroxide ion
decreases so basic character also decreases. This is the reason why La(OH) 3 is more basic
than Lu(OH)3.

b) Seperation of lanthanoides:- Seperation of lanthanoides is very difficult because of

their similar properties. But due to lanthanide contraction their properties vary slightly.
So they can be separated by ion-exchange method.
c) Similarity of second and third transition series:- The atomic size of second and third
transition series are almost same due to lanthanide contraction. This is the reason why
Zirconium and Hafnium have almost same atomic size and exhibit similar properties.

25
 Reasoning Questions

1.Qus:- The outer electronic configuration of two members of lanthanoids series are as
follows: 4f1 5d1 6s2 and 4f7 5d0 6s2.
What are their atomic numbers and predict the oxidation state shown by these elements?
Ans:- The first element is cerium having atomic no. 58 and second element is europium
having atomic no. 63. The common oxidation state of cerium is +4 and that of europium
is +2.

2.Qus:- Actinide contraction is greater than element to element than in lanthanide

contraction?
Ans:- This is because of poor shielding effect of both 4f and 5f electrons in actinoides
whereas in lanthanoides there are only 4f electrons having poor shielding effect so
effective nuclear charge is more in actinoides than in lanthanoides.

26
3.Qus:- Why chemistry of actinoides is much more complex than lanthanoides?
Ans:- This is because all the actinoides are radioactive, moreover they show variable
oxidation state.

4.Qus:- Why chemistry of all the lanthanoides is very similar?

Ans:- Because of lanthanide contraction size of all the lanthanoides is almost same so
they resemble in their properties very much, moreover they all have equal number of
electrons in their valance shell.

5.Qus:- How electronic configuration of transition elements differs from inner transition
elements?
Ans:- The general outermost electronic configuration of transition elements is (n-1)d 1-10
ns1-2 .Their last electron enters in the penultimate shell i.e. second last shell. Whereas
general outermost electronic configuration of inner transition elements is [(n-2) 0-14 (n-
1)d0-1 ns2]. Their last electron enters in the anti-penultimate shell.

6.Qus:- Why zirconium and hafnium shows similar properties?

Ans:- Because of lanthanide contraction they have almost similar atomic size. So they
show similar properties.

7.Qus:- Compare the chemistry of actinoides with lanthanoides in reference to : a)

Atomic size and ionic size
b) Oxidation state
Ans:- a) Atomic size and ionic size:- The atomic and ionic radii of actinoides and
lanthanoides decreases with increase in their atomic number but actinoides has small size
as compare to lanthanoides due to poor shielding effect of 5f-electrons than 4f-electrons.

b) Oxidation state:- Actinoides show oxidation state of +3, +4, +5, +6 and +7. Whereas
lanthanoides show oxidation state of +2, +3 and +4. This is because in actinoides the 5f,
6d and 7s subshell have almost equal energy.

8.Qus:- Why actinoides have greater tendency to form complexes than lanthanoids?
Ans:- Because of small size, high charge density and more nuclear charge of actinoides
than lanthanoids, the former have greater tendency to form complexes.

9.Qus:- Why Eu+2 and Yb+2 are stable?

27
Ans:- Because Eu+2 has half filled and Yb+2 has fully filled f-orbital so both are stable.

10.Qus:- Which are the last elements of lanthanoids and actinoids series? Write their
electronic configuration also?Ans:- The last element of lanthanoid series is lutetium (71)
and that of actinoids is lawrencium (103). The electronic configuration of lutetium is
14 1 2 14 1 2
54[Xe]4f 5d 6s and that of lawrencium is 86[Rn]5f 6d 7s .

11.Qus:- Why La3+ and Lu3+ do not show any colour in solutions?
Ans:- Because both these ions do not have unpaired electron

12.Qus:- Write differences between lanthanoids and actinoids.

Ans:- Differences between lanthanoids and actinoids
Lanthanoids Actinoids
1. Besides the common oxidation 1. The common oxidation state is
state of +3 lanthanoids show +2 +3 but they also show +5 and +6
and +4 oxidation state also. oxidation state.
2. Lanthanoids are non- 2. All the actinoides are
radioactive except promethium. radioactive in nature.
3.They have lesser tendency to 3. They have greater tendency to
form complexes. form complexes.
4.They do not form oxo cation. 4. They can form oxo cation
5.Oxides and hydroxides of e.q.UO2+2 etc.
lanthanoids are less basic. 5. Their oxides and hydroxides are
6.Their magnetic properties can more basic.
be easily explained. 6. Their magnetic properties
cannot be easily explained.

28
13.Qus:- Why among the lanthanoides Ce+3 is easily oxidised to Ce+4.
Ans:- The ground state electronic configuration of Ce+3 and Ce+4 are

58 [Ce]+3 = 54[Xe] 4f1 and 58[Ce]+4 = 54[Xe] 4f0

So extra stability is associated with Ce +4 because it acquire stable noble gas

configuration.

29