Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds Nomenclature

Vocabulary flashcards for key elements and their properties in the transition metals family.

Scandium (Sc)

• Common oxidation state is +3

• Similar chemistry to Mg

• Colorless/diamagnetic due to no d-electrons in ions

Titanium (Ti)

• Common oxidation state is 0, +4

• Similar chemistry to C and Si,

• Structurally strong and lightweight

• One of the compounds it makes is used as a brightener and is very white

• Good for bicycle frames, airplanes

Vanadium (V)

• Most common oxidation state is 0 and +5

• Used in alloys to strengthen material (steel)

• TOXIC!

Niobium (Nb) and Tantalum (Ta)

• Named after Greek mythology

• One of them is a material of interest for superconductors

Chromium (Cr)

• Common oxidation states are 0, +3, +4, +6

• First family with multiple oxidation states found in nature

• Name derived from the Greek word for color, 'chroma'

• TOXIC!

Molybdenum (Mo) and Tungsten (W)

• Biologically important for enzymes and pigments

• One of them has a very high melting point and is used for light bulb filaments

Manganese (Mn)

• Common oxidation states are 0, +2, +3, +4, +6, +7

• Not found in nature as a pure metal, always in ore

• Used as a catalyst in alkaline batteries and a strengthening component in steel

• Cofactor to many enzymes

• A variation of its compound are strong oxidizing agents.

Technetium (Tc)

• Lightest radioactive element (a beta emitter)

• Only man-made

• Discovered in 1937

Iron (Fe)

Possible oxidation states = +2 to +6

Common oxidation states = +2, +3

Major component of steel

Most common element on earth by mass

Biological importance for oxygen transport and redox enzymes.

Cobalt (Co)

Common oxidation states = +2, +3

Good color for glass and dyes

Rare to find pure, more common in ores (w/ toxic byproducts)

“Goblin” ore

Rhodium (Rh)

Hard, corrosion resistant

Chemically inert, very rare

Good for plating jewelry

Iridium (Ir)

Rare, much of it comes from outer space

Used as a tracer to develop the dates of asteroid impacts

Nickel (Ni)

Common oxidation state = +2

Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt)

Stable, less reactive metals

All = good catalysts

Applications = coins, batteries, corrosion preventer

Platinum (Pt)

Rare, un-reactive, corrosion resistant

Applications include inert electrodes, jewelry, anti-cancer drugs

Copper (Cu)

Common oxidation states = +1, +2

Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)

All exist in nature as metals

Conductor of electricity and durable

Alloys with Sn = bronze, alloys with Zn = brass

Silver (Ag)

Highest thermal and electrical conductivity and reflectivity

More abundant than Au (more naturally occurring as an ore)

Tarnishes from contact with sulfur and acids

Gold (Au)

Very unreactive, even to most acids

Used for jewelry, currency, etc.

Most malleable material

Zinc (Zn)

Common oxidation state = +2

Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg)

Corrosion resistant, also TOXIC.

Cadmium (Cd)

TOXIC

Common oxidation state = +2

Used in batteries.

Mercury (Hg)

Only metal that is liquid at room temperature

Also TOXIC

Application in dental fillings.