CHE2C - Descriptive Chemistry (TM)

Scandium (Sc)

• Common OS = 0, +3

• No d-electrons in ions → colorless and diamagnetic 

• Similar chemistry to Mg

Titanium (Ti)

• Common OS = 0, +4

• Structurally strong, very lightweight metal

Vanadium (V)

• Common OS = 0, +5

• Used in alloys to strengthen material

• Toxic

Chromium (Cr)

• Common OS = 0, +3, +4, +6

• First family with multiple OS found in nature

• Named derived from “chroma”

• Toxic

Manganese (Mn)

• Most oxidation states

  • +2, +3, +4, +6, +7

• Not found as pure metal → always in ore

• Cofactor to many enzymes

• Catalyst

• Alkaline batteries

• Strengthening component in steel

Iron

• Common OS = +2, +3

• Possible OS = +2-6

• Major part of steel

• Most common element on earth by mass

• Important for Oxygen transport, redox enzymes

Cobalt (Co)

• Common OS = +2, +3

• Very hard to find pure → common in ores

• Beautiful blue color for glass/dyes

• Goblin ore

Nickel (Ni)

• Common OS = +2

• Used in coins, batteries, corrosion preventor

• Good catalysts

• Stable, less reactive metals

Copper (Cu)

• Common OS = +1, +2

• excellent conductor of electricity

• durable

• Cu / Zn alloy → Brass

• Cu / Sn alloy → bronze

Zinc (Zn)

• Common OS = +2

• Corrosion resistant

• Toxic