Characteristics of Transition Metals

Scandium (Sc)

+3 oxidation state, diamagnetic, prepared by electrolysis of molten ScCl₃, used in high-intensity lamps, aluminum alloys, (bats, bicycles, aerospace components)

Titanium (Ti)

+4 oxidation state, high strength

Used in jet engines, artificial bones/joints (WHY) and to make pipes, pumps, and reaction vessels in the chemical industry

TiO₂: highly opaque used as white pigment in paper, paint, and plastics

Vanadium (V)

+5 oxidation state, hard and corrosion-resistant, so used in alloys with Ti and Fe, catalyst for H₂SO₄, industrial production, V₂O₅

Manganese (Mn)

Oxidation states from +2 to +7, source: MnO₂ from ocean floor, pigment, rust, treatment, gasoline additive. Added to hard steel, which is used for rock crushers, bank vaults, and armor plates. Sacrifice the anode

Chromium (Cr)

Ox. State: +2,+3, or +6 (reddish color)

Make CrO and Cr₂O₃ oxide coating to prevent rusting

Used to make rubies, pigments, and leather tanning

Cr₂O₇ + H₂SO₄ mix: Powerful cleansing solution for lab glassware and instruments

Strong Oxidizing agent

Iron (Fe)

+2 and +3 oxidation state

Most important element in modern history

Most abundant heavy metal

Used in steel, alloys, and hemoglobin

Zinc (Zn)

+2 oxidation state

Used for galvanizing steel

(Zn) paint

Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag)

Jewelry and tooth filling

Cobalt (Co)

+2 and +3 oxidation states, very toxic

Used in alloys such as stainless steel, dyes to color glass, catalyst, Vit B12

Nickel (Ni)

+2 oxidation state, high electric and thermal conductivity

Used for plating, steel, alloys, coins, electroplating, magnets, NiCad batteries, guitar strings, catalysts for hydrogenation

Mercury (Hg)

Very toxic

Thermometers, barometers, dental filling (Hg in Ag), fluorescent lights, calomel electrode

Copper (Cu)

+1,+2 oxidation state

high electrical conductivity, resistance to corrosion

Used for plumbing and electrical applications (wires, integrated circuits)

Used in allows such as brass, sterling silver, and gold (18-karat)

More copper in gold alloy → decreases karat number

Palladium (Pd)

Versatile catalyst

Used in catalytic converters, medical equipment, jewelry (white gold), blood sugar test strips

Platinum (Pt)

Catalyst, catalytic converter, jewelry