Actinoids

Note : Elements with 5f1, 5f5 and 5f8 configuration are not known.
In Lanthanoids, elements with 4f2 and 4f8 configuration are not
known.
Observe the variation in electronic configuration.
Guys, learn the whole damn table. For radius just note the relative
radii order (obviously).
1. They are radioactive. Because of short half lives, their study is
difficult.
2. General electronic configuration is 5f1-14 6d0-1 7s2
3. In Th electrons are added in d orbitals.
Size of atoms decreases from left to right (Actinoid contraction).
Note : Actinoid contraction is more than lanthanoid contraction.
Ionic Radius (M3+)
Ionic radii decreases from left to right. However
1. Am = Cm
Ionic Radius (M4+)
Ionic radii decreases from left to right.
Oxidation States
Unlike Lanthanoids, Actinoids show large number of O.S.
This is because of very small energy gap between 5f, 6d and 7s
subshells. Hence all their electrons can take part in bond
formation.

1. The dominant O.S. is +3 (like lanthanoids)

2. The elements of 1st half of series frequently exhibit higher O.S.
3. The maximum oxidation state increases from +4 in Th to +5, +6 and
+7 respectively in Pa, U and Np but decreases in succeeding
elements.
4. The actinoids resemble the lanthanoids in having more compounds
in +3 state than in the +4 state. However, +3 and +4 ions tend to
hydrolyse.
5. 5f electrons are less penetrating towards nucleus than 4f
orbitals. Hence they can participate in bond formation to greater
extent. Therefore actinoids have low I.E. and are more reactive than
lanthanoids.
Physical Properties
1. Silvery appearance
2. Have high M.P. and B.P.
3. All actinoids have high density except Th and Am.
4. Ac3+ is colourless.
5. Like lanthanoids, actinoids are strongly paramagnetic.
6. All the actinoids are strong R.A.
7. They are strongly electropositive.
Chemical Properties
1. They are highly reactive especially in the finely divided state.
2. They react with boiling water to give a mixture of oxide and
hydride.
3. They combine with most non metals at moderate temperatures.
4. All metals are attacked by hydrochloric acid but effect of nitric
acid is very little due to the formation of protective oxide layer
on the surface.
5. Alkalies have no action on them.
Uses of actinoids
1. Th is used in atomic reactors and in treatment of cancer.
2. U and Pu is used as fuel in reactors.
Applications of d and f block elements
1. Iron and steels are the most important construction materials.
Their production is based on the reduction of iron oxides, the
removal of impurities and the addition of carbon and alloying metals
such as Cr, Mn and Ni.
2. Some compounds are manufactured for special purposes such as TiO
for the pigment industry and MnO2 for use in dry battery cells. The
battery industry also requires Zn and Ni/Cd.
3. The elements of Group 11 are called the coinage metals, although
Ag and Au are restricted to collection items
4. UK ‘copper’ coins are copper-coated steel.
5. The ‘silver’ UK coins are a Cu/Ni alloy.
6. Many of the metals and/or their compounds are essential catalysts
in the chemical industry. V2O5 catalyses the oxidation of SO2 in the
manufacture of sulphuric acid.
7. TiCl4 with Al(CH3)3 forms the basis of the Ziegler catalysts used
to manufacture polyethylene (polythene).
8. Iron catalysts are used in the Haber process for the production
of ammonia from N2/H2 mixtures.
9. Nickel catalysts enable the hydrogenation of fats to proceed.
10. In the Wacker process the oxidation of ethyne to ethanal is
catalysed by PdCl2.
11. Nickel complexes are useful in the polymerisation of alkynes and
other organic compounds such as benzene.
12. The photographic industry relies on the special light-sensitive
properties of AgBr.