Transition Elements

These are elements in the d-block found between group II and III of
the periodic table. They have partially filled d-orbitals. The first
transition series begins from scandium and ends in zinc. They are
elements with partially filled d-block.
2. They form complex ions
Characteristics of Transition Elements
1. They are harder and stronger than the metals in Groups I
and II
2. They have much higher densities than the metals in Groups
I and II
3. They have high melting points (except for mercury, which is
a liquid at room temperature).
4. They are less reactive metals
5. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
6. They are used as catalysts as elements and compounds. For
Transitions elements form complex ions due to the present
of vacant d-orbitals in their ions. A complex ion consist of a
central metal cation to which several anions or molecules
called ligands are bonded.
Transition elements form complex ions due to the
availability of incomplete d-orbitals. The complex ions are
usually four or six ligands. When 4 ligands are present, they
are arranged tetrahedrally as in tetramine zinc (II) ion
[Zn(NH 3)2 ]2 +¿¿. Six ligands are arranged octahedrally as in
hexacyanoferrate (III) ion [Fe (CN)6 ]
3 +¿¿

example, iron is used in the industrial production of

ammonia gas
7. They do not react (corrode) so quickly with oxygen and/or
water

Other characteristics

1. They exhibit variable oxidation state

3. They form colored compounds

Transition elements form colored ions due to empty or
partially filled d-orbitals. Hence electrons can move into
empty orbitals within the d-subshell. The radiations emitted
during electronic transition are responsible for their
compounds appearing colored. Zinc and scandium ions are
colorless since they don’t have partially filled 3d-orbitals.