Transition Metals - Properties

Transition Metals - elements which form at least one ion with a partially filled d sub-shell. They have a number of characteristic properties that are different from other metals.

Property 1

Transition metals have multiple different oxidation states.

Element	Common Oxidation states for Transition Metals
Sc			+3	(not a transition element)
Ti		+2	+3	+4	+5
V		+2	+3	+4	+5
Cr		+2	+3	+4	+5	+6
Mn		+2	+3	+4	+5	+6	+7
Fe		+2	+3	+4	+5	+6
Co		+2	+3	+4	+5
NI		+2	+3	+4
Cu	+1	+2	+3
Zn		+2	(not a transition element)

Property 2

Transition Metals are able to form coloured compounds.

Transition Metal Ion	Colour
Cr³⁺	Green
CrO₄^2-	Yellow
Cr₂O₇^2-	Orange
MnO₄^-	Purple
Co²⁺	Pink
Fe²⁺	Pale Green
Fe³⁺	Brown

Property 3

Transition Elements in element and compound form can act as catalysts due to their variable oxidation states, ability to form complexes, surface adsorption properties, and efficient electron transfer.