Transition Elements Chemistry Guide

CHEMISTRY
Transition Elements
s
(d-Block Elements)
INTRODUCTION :
Four series of elements are formed by filling the 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d subshells of electrons. Collectively these
comprise the d-block elements. They are often called as ‘transition elements because their position in
periodic table is between the s-block and p-block elements. Their properties are transitional between the
highly reactive metallic elements of s-block (which form ionic compounds) and the elements of p-block
(which are largely covalent). Typically the transition elements have an incompletely filled d level. A transition
element may be defined as the element whose atom in ground state or ion in one of common oxidation
states, has partly filled d-sub shell i.e. having electrons between 1 to 9.
Group 12 (the zinc group) elements have completely filled d-orbitals in the ground state as well as in their
common oxidation states. Therefore, they are not regarded as transition elements.
The general electronic configuration of d-block elements is (n–1) d1–10 ns1–2, where n is the outer most shell.
However, palladium does not follow this general electronic configuration. It has electron configuration [Kr]36
4d10 5s0 in order to have stability.
 st transition series or 3d series corresponding to filling of 3d sub-shell consists of the following
10 elements of 4th period.
21
Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and 30Zn.
 nd transition series or 4d series corresponding to filling of 4d sub-shell consists of the following
39
Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag and 48Cd.
 rd transition series or 5d series corresponding to filling of 5d sub-shell consists of following

57
La, 72Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au and 80Hg.
 IVth transition series or 6d series corresponding to the filling of 6d sub-shell starts with 89Ac followed
by elements with atomic number 104 onwards.
There are greater horizontal similarities in the properties of the transition elements. However, some
group similarities also exist.
Example-1 On what ground you can say that scandium (Z = 21) is a transition element but zinc (Z = 30) is not?
Solution On the basis of incompletely filled 3d orbitals of scandium, [Ar]18 3d1 4s2 , and completely filled 3d
orbitals of Zn, [Ar]18 3d10 4s2, they are considered transition and non-transition elements respectively.
Example-2 The element with the electronic configuration [Xe]54 4f14 5d1 6s2 is a :
(A) representative element (B) d-block element
(C) lanthanoid (D) actinoid
14 0 2
Solution After achieving 4f 5d 6s configuration, the next electron goes to 5d and this is the case of
Lu(Z = 71) which is the last element of lanthanoid series.
Therefore, (C) option is correct.
Example-3 The number of transition series is :

(A) two (B) three (C) four (D) five
Solution There are four transition series ; 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d series.
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CHEMISTRY
GENERAL TRENDS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF TRANSITION ELEMENTS.
Metallic character :
In d-block elements the last but one (i.e. the penultimate) shell of electrons is expanding. Thus they have
many physical and chemical properties in common.
Hence nearly all the transition elements display typical metallic properties such as high tensile strength,
ductility, malleability, high thermal and electrical conductivity and metallic lustre. With the exceptions of
Zn,Cd, Hg and Mn, they have one or more typical metallic structures at normal temperatures.
Lattice Structures of Transition Metals (Table-1)
Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
hcp hcp bcc bcc X bcc ccp ccp ccp X

(bcc) (bcc) (bcc,ccp) (hcp) (hcp) (hcp)
Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd
Hcp hcp bcc bcc hcp hcp ccp ccp ccp X
(bcc) (bcc) (hcp)
La Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg
hcp hcp bcc bcc hcp hcp ccp ccp ccp X
(ccp, bcc) (bcc)
bcc = body centred cubic ; hcp = hexagonal close packed
ccp = cubic close packed ; X = a typical metal structure
The transition elements (with the exception of copper) are very much hard and have low volatility.
They have high enthalpies of atomisation which are shown in figure given below. The maxima at about the
middle of each series indicate that one unpaired electron per d orbital is particularly favourable of strong
interatomic interaction. In general, greater the number of valence electrons, stronger is the resultant bonding.
Cr, Mo and W have maximum number of unpaired electrons and therefore, these are very hard metals and
have maximum enthalpies of atomization.
Hence the metals with very high enthalpy of atomisation (i.e., very high boiling point) tend to be noble in their
reactions.
The metals of the second, 4d and third, 5d series have greater enthalpies of atomisation than the corresponding
elements of the first series, 3d and this is an important factor indicating for the occurrence of much more
frequent metal-metal bonding in compounds of the heavy transition metals.
Graph showing Trends in enthalpies of atomisation of transition elements

Size of atoms and ions :
The atomic radii of the transition metals lie in-between those of s- and p-block elements. The covalent radii
of the elements decreases from left to right across a row in the transition series, until near the end when the
size increases slightly. The decrease in size is small after mid way. In the beginning, the atomic radius
decreases with the increase in nuclear charge (as atomic number increases), where as the shielding effect
of d-electrons is small. After mid way as the electrons enters the last but one shell, the added d-electron
shields the outer most electrons. Hence with the increase in the d-electrons screening effect increases. This
counter balances the increased nuclear charge. As a result, the atomic radii remain practically same after
chromium.
CHEMISTRY
Near the end of the series, the increased electron repulsions between the added electrons in the same
orbitals are greater than the attractive forces. This results in the expansion of the electron cloud and thus
atomic radius increases.
The atomic radii, in general, increase down the group. The atomic radii of second series are larger than those
of first transition series. In the atoms of the second transition series, the number of shells are more than
those of the Ist transition series. As a result, the atoms of IInd transition series are larger than those of the
elements of the first transition series. But the atomic radii of the second and third transition series are almost
the same.
This phenomenon is associated with the intervention of the 4f orbitals which must be filled before the 5d
series of elements begin. The filling of 4f before 5d orbital results in a regular decrease in atomic radii called
Lanthanoid contraction which essentially compensates for the expected increase in atomic size with
increasing atomic number. The net result of the lanthanoid contraction is that the second and the third
d-series exhibit similar radii (e.g., Zr 160 pm, Hf 159 pm) and have very similar physical and chemical
properties much more than that expected on the basis of usual family relationship.
 The trend followed by the ionic radii is same as that followed by atomic radii.
 The ionic radii of transition metals are different in different oxidation states.
Melting and boiling points :
The melting and boiling points of the transition series elements are generally very high. The melting points of
the transition elements rise to a maximum and then fall as the atomic number increases. Manganese and
technetium have abnormally low melting points. Strong metallic bonds between the atoms of these elements
attribute to their high melting and boiling points. In a particular series, the metallic strength increases upto
the middle with increasing number of unpaired electrons i.e up to d5. After chromium, the number of unpaired
electrons goes on decreasing. Accordingly, the melting points decrease after middle (Cr) because of increasing
pairing of electrons.
 The dip in melting points of Mn and Tc can be attributed to their stable electronic configurations (half filled
3d5 and fully filled 4s2 ). Due to this stable electronic configuration, the delocalisation of electrons may be
less and thus the metallic bond is much weaker than preceding elements.
Example-4 Why do the transition elements have higher boiling & melting points ?
Solution Because of having larger number of unpaired electrons in their atoms, they have stronger interatomic
interaction and hence stronger bonding between atoms. Hence strong metallic bonds between the
atoms of these elements attribute to their high melting and boiling points.
Example-5 The atomic radii of transition elements in a period are

(A) smaller than those of s-block as well as p-block elements.
(B) larger than those of s-block as well as p-block elements.
(C) smaller than those of s-block but larger than those of p-block elements.
(D) larger than those of s-block but smaller than those of p-block elements.
Solution Across the period the atomic radii generally decrease with increasing atomic number as effective
nuclear charge increase.
Density :
The atomic volumes of the transition elements are low compared with the elements of group 1 and 2. This is
because the increased nuclear charge is poorly screened and so attracts all the electrons more strongly. In
addition, the extra electrons added occupy inner orbitals. Consequently the densities of the transition metals
are high. The densities of the second row are high and third row values are even higher. Elements with the
highest densities are osmium 22.57 g cm–3 and irridium 22.61 g cm–3.
 Across a period from left to right atomic volumes decrease and atomic masses increase. Hence the
densities also increase across a period.
 The last element zinc is an exception, having large atomic volume and hence lower density.
CHEMISTRY
Ionisation energies or Ionisation enthalpies :
 The first ionisation energies of d-block elements are intermediate between those of the s- and p-
blocks. This suggests that the transition elements are less electropositive than groups 1 and 2 and
may form either ionic or covalent bonds depending on the conditions. Generally, the lower valent
states are ionic and the higher valent states are covalent. Across a period from left to right ionisation
energies gradually increase with increase in atomic number. This is because the nuclear charge
increases and the atomic size decreases with increase in atomic number along the period.
Consequently making the removal of outer electron difficult.
 In a given series, the difference in the ionisation energies between any two successive d-block
elements is very much less than the difference in case of successive s-block or p-block elements.
The effect of increased nuclear charge and screening effect of the added d-electrons tend to oppose
each other. Hence due to these two counter effects, the difference in the ionisation energies of two
successive transition elements is very small on moving across a period.
 The first ionisation energy of Zn, Cd, and Hg are very high because of their fully filled (n–1) d10 ns2
configuration.
 IInd and IIIrd ionisation energies also increase along a period.

IInd ionisation energy of Cr > Mn and Cu > Zn
This is because after the removal of Ist electron Cr and Cu acquire stable configurations (d5 & d10) and
the removal of IInd electron thus become very difficult.
Similarly the E2 of 23V < 24Cr > 25Mn and 28Ni < 29Cu > 30Zn
The third ionization energy of Mn is very high because the third electron has to be removed from the stable
half-filled 3d orbital.
 The first ionisation energies of the 5d elements are higher as compared to those of 3d and 4d
elements. This is because the weak shielding of nucleus by 4f electrons in 5d elements results in
higher effective nuclear charge acting on the outer valence electrons.
Graph Showing Trends in Ionisation Energies
Example-6 Zn forms only Zn2+ and not Zn3+, why?
Solution In the formation of Zn3+, an electron from the d10 configuration has to be removed which requires
abnormally higher amount of energy.
Oxidation states :
The transition metals exhibit a large number of oxidation states. With the exception of a few elements, most
of these show variable oxidation states. These different oxidation states are related to the electronic
configuration of their atoms.
The existence of the transition elements in different oxidation states means that their atoms can lose different
number of electrons. This is due to the participation of inner (n – 1) d-electrons in addition to outer ns-
electrons because, the energies of the ns and (n – 1) d-sub-shells are nearly same. For example, scandium
has the outer electronic configuration 3d14s2. It exhibits an oxidation state of +2 when it uses both of its
4s-electrons for bonding but it can also show oxidation state of +3 when it uses its two s-electrons and one
d-electron. Similarly, the other atoms can show oxidation states equal to ns-and (n – 1) d-electrons.
CHEMISTRY
Table-2 : Different oxidation states of first transition series.
Outer
Element electronic Oxidation states
configuration
Sc 3d14s2 +3
2 2
Ti 3d 4s +2, +3, +4
V 3d34s2 +2, +3, +4, +5
5 1
Cr 3d 4s +2, +3, (+4), (+5), +6
Mn 3d54s2 +2, +3, +4, (+5), +6, +7
Fe 3d64s2 +2, +3, (+4), (+5), (+6)
7 2
Co 3d 4s +2, +3, (+4)
Ni 3d84s2 +2, +3, +4
10 1
Cu 3d 4s +1, +2
10 2
Zn 3d 4s +2
Oxidation states given in parenthesis are unstable.

Table-3 :Different oxidation states of elements of second transition series.
Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd
+3 (+3) (+2) +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2
+4 (+3) +3 (+4) +3 +3 (+3) (+2)
(+4) +4 (+5) +4 +4 +4 (+3)
+5 +5 (+5) (+6)
+6 (+6)
(+7)
(+8)
Table-4 : Different oxidation states of elements of third transition series.
La Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg
+3 (+3) (+2) +2 (-1) +2 +2 +2 +1 +1

+4 (+3) (+3) (+1) +3 +3 (+3) +3 +2
(+4) +4 (+2) +4 +4 +4
+5 +5 +3 +6 (+6) (+5)
+6 +4 +8 (+6)
+5
(+6)
+7
It may be noted that the stability of a given oxidation state depends upon the nature of the elements with
which the metal is combined. The highest oxidation states are found in compounds of fluorides and oxides
because fluorine and oxygen are most electronegative elements.
The examination of the common oxidation states exhibited by different transition metals reveals the following
facts :
CHEMISTRY
(i) The variable oxidation states of transition metals are due to participation of inner (n – 1)d and outer ns-
electrons. The lowest oxidation state corresponds to the number of ns-electrons. For example, in the first
transition series, the lowest oxidation states of Cr (3d54s1) and Cu(3d104s1) are +1 while for others, it is +2
(3d1 – 104s2).
(ii) Except scandium, the most common oxidation state of the first row transition elements is +2 which arises
due to loss of two 4s-electrons. This means that after scandium 3d-orbitals become more stable and,
therefore, are lower in energy than the 4s-orbitals. As a result, electrons are first removed from 4s-orbitals.
(iii) The elements which show the greater number of oxidation states occur in or near the middle of the series.
For example, in the first transition series, manganese exhibits all the oxidation states from +2 to +7. The
lesser number of oxidation states in the beginning of series can be due to the presence of smaller number of
electrons to lose or share (Sc, Ti). On the other hand, at the extreme right hand side end (Cu, Zn), lesser
number of oxidation state is due to large number of d electrons so that only a fewer orbitals are available in
which the electron can share with other for higher valence. The highest oxidation state shown by any transition
metal is +8.
(iv) In the +2 and +3 oxidation states, the bonds formed are mostly ionic. In the compounds of higher oxidation
states (generally formed with oxygen and fluorine), the bonds are essentially covalent. Thus, the bonds in +2
and +3 oxidation states are generally formed by the loss of two or three electrons respectively while the
bonds in higher oxidation states are formed by sharing of d-electrons. For example, in MnO4– (Mn in +7 state)
all the bonds are covalent.
(v) Within a group, the maximum oxidation state increase with atomic number. For example, iron (group 8)
shows common oxidation states of +2 and +3 but ruthenium and osmium in the same group form compounds
in the +4, +6 and +8 oxidation states.
(vi) Transition metals also form compounds in low oxidation states such as +1 and 0 or negative. The common
examples are [Ni(CO)4], [Fe(CO)5] in which nickel and iron are in zero oxidation state.
(vii) The variability of oxidation states in transition elements arises because of incomplete filling of the d-orbitals
in such a way that their oxidation states differ by unity such as VII, VIII, VIV and VV. This behaviour is in
contrast with the variability of oxidation states of non-transition elements (p-block elements), where oxidation
states normally differ by a unit of two such as Sn2+, Sn4+, In+, In3+, etc.
(viii) Unlike p-block elements where the lower oxidation states are favoured by heavier members (due to inert pair
effect), the higher oxidation states are more stable in heavier transition elements. For example, in group 6,
Mo (VI) and W (VI) are found to be more stable than Cr (VI). Therefore, Cr (VI) in the form of dichromate in
acidic medium is a strong oxidising agent whereas MoO3 and WO3 are not.
Standard electrode potentials :
The magnitude of ionization enthalpy gives the amount of energy required to remove electrons to form a
particular oxidation state of the metal in a compound. Thus, the value of ionisation enthalpies gives information
regarding the thermodynamic stability of the transition metal compounds in different oxidation states. Smaller
the ionisation enthalpy of the metal, the stable is its compound. For example, the first four ionisation enthalpies
of nickel and platinum are given below :
Table-5 :
Ionisation
Ni Pt
enthalpies
IE1 + IE2 2.49 × 103 kJ mol–1 2.66 × 103 kJ mol–1
IE3 + IE4 8.80 × 103 kJ mol–1 6.70 × 103 kJ mol–1
Total 11.29 × 103 kJ mol–1 9.36 × 103 kJ mol–1
It is clear form the above table that the sum of first two ionization enthalpies is less for nickel than for
platinum.
Ni  Ni2+ + 2e– I.E. = 2.49 × 103 kJ mol–1
Pt  Pt2+ + 2e– I.E. = 2.66 × 103 kJ mol–1
2+
Therefore, ionization of nickel to Ni is energetically favourable as compared to that of platinum. Thus, the
nickel (II) compounds are thermodynamically more stable than platinum (II) compounds. On the other hand,
the sum of first four ionisation enthalpies is less for platinum than for nickel as :
Ni  Ni4+ + 2e– I.E. = 11.29 × 103 kJ mol–1
Pt  Pt4+ + 2e– I.E. = 9.36 × 103 kJ mol–1
CHEMISTRY
Thus, the platinum (IV) compounds are relatively more stable than nickel (IV) compounds. Therefore, K2PtCl6
[having Pt (IV)] is a well-known compound whereas the corresponding nickel compound is not known.
However, in solutions the stability of the compounds depends upon electrode potentials.
Electrode potentials :
In addition to ionisation enthalpy, the other factors such as enthalpy of sublimation, hydration enthalpy,
ionisation enthalpy etc. determine the stability of a particular oxidation state in solution. This can be explained
in terms of their electrode potential values. The oxidation potential of a metal involves the following process:
M(s)  M+(aq) + e–
This process actually takes place in the following three steps as given in following flowchart :
(i) In the first step, the atoms get isolated from one another and become independent in the gaseous state. This
converts solid metal to the gaseous state. The energy needed for this step is known as enthalpy of sublimation.
M(s)  M+(g) Enthalpy of sublimation, subH
(ii) In the second step, the outer electron is removed from the isolated atom. The energy required for this change
is ionisation enthalpy.
M(s)  M+(g) + e– Ionisation enthalpy, IE
(iii) In the third step the gaseous ion gets hydrated. In this process, energy known as hydration enthalpy, is
liberated.
M+(g) + nH2O  M+(aq) Enthalpy of hydration, hydH
The oxidation potential which gives the tendency of the overall change to occur, depends upon the net effect
of these three steps. The overall energy change is
H = subH + IE + hydH
Thus, H gives the enthalpy change required to bring the solid metal, M to the monovalent ion in aqueous
medium, M+ (aq). An exactly similar cycle may be constructed for the formation of an anion in solution
except that the ionization enthalpy may be replaced by electron gain enthalpy when the gaseous atom goes
to gaseous anion. H helps to predict the stability of a particular oxidation state. The smaller the values of
total energy change for a particular oxidation state in aqueous solution, greater will be the stability of that
oxidation state. The electrode potentials are a measure of total energy change. Qualitative, the stability of
the transition metal ions in different oxidation states can be determined on the basis of electrode potential
data. The lower the electrode potential i.e., more negative the standard reduction potential of the electrode,
the more stable is the oxidation state of the transition metal in the aqueous solution.
The electrode potentials of different metals can also be measured by forming the cell with standard hydrogen
electrode. For the measurement of electrode potential of M2+ | 1M, the e.m.f. of the cell in which the following
reaction occurs is measured :
2H+(aq) + M(s) M2+ (aq) + H2(g)
Knowing the potential of 2H+(aq) | H2(g), it is possible to determine the potential of M2+ (aq) | M. For the first
transition series, the E values of M2+(aq) | M are given below :
CHEMISTRY
The observed values of E and those calculated using the data are compared in the following figure.
Thermochemical data (kJ mol–1) for the first row Transition Elements and the Standard Electrode
potentials for the Reduction of MII to M
Table-6 :

Element (M) aHq (M)  f H1 1H2 hydH (M )
 2+ 
E /V
Ti 469 661 1310 -1866 -1.63
V 515 648 1370 -1895 -1.18
Cr 398 653 1590 -1925 -0.90
Mn 279 716 1510 -1862 -1.18
Fe 418 762 1560 -1998 -0.44
Co 427 757 1640 -2079 -0.28
Ni 431 736 1750 -2121 -0.25
Cu 339 745 1960 -2121 0.34
Zn 130 908 1730 -2059 -0.76
The results lead to the following conclusions :
(i) There is no regular trend in these values. This is attributed to the irregular variation of ionisation enthalpies
(IE1 + IE2) and the sublimation energies in the period.
(ii) It may be noted that the electrode potentials of transition metals are low in comparison to elements of group
2 (e.g., Ca = –2.87 V). Compared to group 2 elements, the transition elements have fairly large ionisation
enthalpies and very large enthalpies of atomisation. These reduce their electrode potentials though their
hydration enthalpies are large.
(iii) Zinc has low enthalpy of atomisation and fairly large hydration energy. But it has also low electrode potential
(–0.76 V) because of its very high ionisation enthalpy (IE1 + IE2).
(iv) It is clear from above table and figure that copper has positive reduction potential, E (0.34 V) and this shows
that copper is least reactive metal out of the first transition series. This unique behaviour (+ve) E value of
copper) also accounts for its inability to liberate H2 from acids. It has been observed that only oxidizing acids
(such as nitric acid and hot concentrated sulphuric acid) react with copper in which the acids are reduced.
The high energy required to convert Cu(s) to Cu2+ (aq) is not balanced by its hydration enthalpy.
(v) In general, the value becomes, less negative across the series. This is related to the general increase in the
sum of first and second ionisation enthalpies. It is interesting to note that the values of Eº of Mn, Ni and Zn
are more negative than expected from the general trend. The relatively more negative values of E for Mn and
Zn are due to stability of half filled d-sub-shell in Mn2+ (3d5) and the completely filled (3d10) configuration in
Zn2+. The exceptionally high E value of Ni from regular trend is related to the highest negative enthalpy of
hydration of Ni2+ ion.
Trends in the M3+ | M2+ Standard Electrode Potentials
Except copper and zinc, all other elements of first transition series show +3 oxidation states also to form M3+
ions in aqueous solutions. The standard reduction potentials for M3+ | M2+ redox couple are given below :
Table-7 :
Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co
E  (M3+(aq) | M2+(aq)
–0.37 –0.26 –0.41 +1.57 +0.77 +1.97
(in Volt)
CHEMISTRY
These values reveal the following facts :
(i) The low value of scandium reflects the stability of Sc3+ which has a noble gas configuration.
(ii) The comparatively high value for Mn shows that Mn2+ (d5 configuration) is particularly stable. On the other
hand comparatively low value for Fe shows the extra stability of Fe3+ (d5 configuration).
(iii) The comparatively low value of V is related to the stability of V2+ (due to half filled t2g3 energy level of 3d
orbitals in octahedral crystal field spitting).
(iv) The E value for Mn3+ /Mn2+ couple much more positive than for Cr3+/Cr2+ or Fe3+ /Fe2+. This is because of the
much larger IIIrd ionisation energy of Mn (removal of electron from d5 configuration).
Trends in Stability of Higher Oxidation States
Standard electrode potential data provide valuable information about the stabilities of different oxidation states
shown by an element. The highest oxidation states are shown generally among halides and oxides.
1. In metal halides. The transition elements react with halogens at high temperatures to form transition metal
halides. These reactions have very high heat of reaction. But once the reaction starts, the heat of reaction is
sufficient to continue the reaction. The halogens react in the following decreasing order ; F2 > Cl2 > Br2 > I2
Table-8 : Halides of first transition series
Oxidation
Number
+6 CrF6
+5 VF5 CrF5
a
+4 TiX4 VX4 CrF4 MnF4
+3 ScX3 TiX3 VX3 CrF3 MnF3 FeX3a CoF3
c
+2 TiX2 VX2 CrF2 MnX2 FeX2 CoX2 NiX2 CuX2b ZnX2
c
+1 CuX
a b c
where X = F, Cl, Br, I, X = F, Cl, Br, X = F, Cl, X = Cl, Br, I
Within each of the transition groups 3 - 12, there is a difference in the stability of the various oxidation states.
In general, the second and third transition series elements exhibit higher coordination number and their
higher oxidation states are more stable than the corresponding first transition series elements. The following
trends are observed from table regarding transition metal halides :
(i) In general, the elements of first transition series tend to exist in low oxidation states. Chromium to zinc form
stable difluorides and the other chlorides are also known.
(ii) Since fluorine is the most electronegative element, the transition metals show highest oxidation states with
fluorine. The highest oxidation states are found in TiX4 (tetrahalides, X = F, Cl, Br and I), VF5 and CrF6.
(iii) The +7 oxidation state for Mn is not shown by simple halides. However, MnO3F is known in which the
oxidation state of Mn is +7.
(iv) After Mn, the tendency to show higher oxidation states with halogens are uncommon. Iron and cobalt form
trihalides FeX3 (X = F, Cl or Br) and CoF3.
(v) The tendency of fluorine to stabilise the highest oxidation state is due to either higher lattice enthalpy as in
case of CoF3 or higher bond enthalpy due to higher covalent bonds e.g., VF5 and CrF6.
(vi) V(V) is shown by VF5 only. However, the other halides undergo hydrolysis to form oxohalides, VOX3.
(vii) Fluorides are relatively unstable in their low oxidation states. For example, vanadium form only VX2 (X = Cl,
Br or I) and copper can form CuX (X = Cl, I). All copper (II) halides are known except the iodide. This is
because, Cu2+ oxidises I– to I2.
2Cu2+ + 4I–  Cu2I2(s) + I2
It has been observed that many copper (I) compounds are unstable in aqueous solution and they undergo
disproportionation to Cu(II) and Cu(0) as :
2Cu+  Cu2+ + Cu
Copper in +2 oxidation state is more stable than in +1 oxidation state. This can be explained on the basis of
much larger negative hydration enthalpy (hydH) of Cu2+ (aq) than Cu+, which is much more than compensates
for the large energy required to remove the second electron i.e., second ionisation enthalpy of copper.
CHEMISTRY
2. In metal oxides and oxocations.
Table-9 : Oxides of first transition series
Oxidation
Number
+7 Mn2O7
+6 CrO3
+5 V2O5
+4 TiO2 V2O4 CrO2 MnO2
+3 Sc2O3 Ti2O3 V2O3 Cr2O3 Mn2O3 Fe2O3
+2 TiO VO (CrO) MnO FeO CoO NiO CuO ZnO
+1 Cu2O
Mixed oxides Mn3O4 Fe3O4 Co3O4
The ability of oxygen to stabilize the highest oxidation state is demonstrated in their oxides. The highest
oxidation states in their oxides concides with the group number. For example, the highest oxidation state of
scandium of group 3 is +3 in its oxides, Sc2O3 whereas the highest oxidation state of manganese of group 7
is +7, in Mn2O7. However beyond group 7, no higher oxides of iron above Fe2O3 are known. Although higher
oxidation state such as +6 is shown in ferrates such as FeO42– in alkaline medium, but they readily decompose
to Fe2O3 and O2. Besides the oxides, oxocation of the metals also stabilise higher oxidation states. For
example, VV as VO2+, VIV as VO2+ and TiIV as TiO2+. It may be noted that the ability of oxygen to stabilise
these high oxidation states exceeds that of fluorine. For example, manganese forms highest fluoride as
MnF4 whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7. This is due to the fact that oxygen has great ability to form
multiple bonds to metals. In the covalent oxide. Mn2O7, each Mn is tetrahedrally surrounded by oxygen
atoms and has Mn–O–Mn bridge. The tetrahedral [MO4]n– ions are also known for vanadium (V), chromium
(VI), manganese (VI) and manganese (VII).
The transition elements in the +2 and +3 oxidation states mostly form ionic bonds whereas with higher
oxidation states, the bonds are essentially covalent e.g., in MnO4– all bonds are covalent. As the oxidation
number of a metal increases, the ionic character of their oxides decrease. For example, in case of Mn,
Mn2O7 is a covalent green oil. In these higher oxides the acidic character is predominant. Thus CrO3 gives
H2CrO4 and H2Cr2O7 and Mn2O7 gives HMnO4. V2O5 is, however amphoteric though mainly acidic and with
alkalies as well as acids gives VO43– and VO2+ respectively.
Example-7 For the first series of transition metals the E values are
E V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu
(M2+/M+1) – 1.18 – 0.91 – 1.18 – 0.44 – 0.28 – 0.25 + 0.34
Explain the irregularity in the above values.
Solution This is because of irregular variation of ionization energies (E1 + E2) and also the sublimation
energies which are much less for manganese and vanadium
Example-8 Write the formulae of different oxides of manganese. What is the oxidation state of manganese in
each of them ? Arrange them in order of their decreasing acidic character.
Solution Mn+2O, Mn23+ O3, Mn4+O2, Mn27+O7, Mn3O4 (mixed oxide of MnO and Mn2O3)
As the oxidation state of Mn increases, the electronegativity values of the central metal ions increase.
As a result of this the difference in the electronegativity values between metals and oxygen decrease.
So the acidic character increases as given below.
MnO < Mn2O3 < MnO2 < Mn2O7
Example9 Name the oxometal anions of the first series of the transition metals in which the metal exhibits the
oxidation state equal to its group number.
Solution In Cr2O72– and CrO42– the oxidation state of Cr is +6 (2x + 7(–2) = –2 and x + 4 (– 2) = –2) . The group
number is equal to the number of electrons in (n-1) d and ns sub-shells for d-block elements. So
group no. = 5 + 1 = 6.
In MnO4– the oxidation state of Mn is +7 (2x + 7(–2) = –1). The group number is equal to the number
of electrons in (n-1) d and ns sub-shells for d-block elements. So group no. = 5 + 2 = 7
CHEMISTRY
Example-10 Zinc does not show variable valency because of :
(A) complete ‘d’ sub-shell (B) inert pair effect (C) 4s2 sub-shell (D) none.
18 10 2
Solution 30
Zn = [Ar] 3d 4s . Zinc has completely filled d-sub-shell so removal of electron from completely
filled 4d sub-shell would be quite difficult. Thus it does not show variable valency.
Therefore, (A) option is correct.
Formation of Coloured Ions :
Most of the compounds of transition metals are coloured in the solid form or solution form. The colour of the
compounds of transition metals may be attributed to the presence of incomplete (n – 1) d-sub-shell. In the
case of compounds of transition metals, the energies of the five d-orbitals in the same sub-shell do not
remain equal. Under the influence of approaching ions towards the central metal ion, the d-orbitals of the
central metal split into different energy levels. This phenomenon is called crystal field splitting. For example,
when the six ions or molecules approach the metal ion (called octahedral field), the five d-orbitals split up into
two sets : one set consisting of two d-orbitals ( d x 2  y 2 , dz 2 ) of higher energies and the other set consisting of
three d-orbitals (dxy, dyz, dzx) of lower energies.
In the case of the transition metal ions, the electron can be easily promoted from one energy level to another
in the same d-sub-shell. These are called d-d transitions. The amount of energy required to excite some of
the electrons to higher energy states within the same d-sub-shell corresponds to energy of certain colours of
visible light. Therefore, when white light falls on a transition metal compound, some of its energy corresponding
to a certain colour, is absorbed and the electron gets raised from lower energy set of orbitals to higher energy
set of orbitals as shown below :
Figure showing electronic transition from t2g to eg orbitals.

The excess of other colours constituting white light are transmitted and the compound appears coloured. The
observed colour of a substance is always complementary colour of the colour which is absorbed by the substance.
For example, Ti3+ compounds contain one electron in d-sub-shell (d1). It absorbs green and yellow portions from
the white light and blue and red portions are emitted. Therefore, Ti3+ ions appear purple. Similarly, hydrated
cupric compounds absorb radiations corresponding to red light and the transmitted colour is greenish blue
(which is complementary colour to red colour). Thus, cupric compounds have greenish-blue colour.
Table-10 : Colour of different hydrated transition metal ions.
Ion Outer Configuration Colour of the ion

Sc (III), Ti (IV) 3d0 Colourless
Ti (III) 3d1 Purple
V (IV) 3d1 Blue
V (III) 3d2 Green
Cr (III) 3d3 Green
Mn (III) 3d4 Violet
Cr (II) 3d4 Blue
Mn (II) 3d5 Pink
Fe (III) 3d5 Yellow
Fe (II) 3d6 Green
Co (III) 3d6 Blue
Co (II) 3d7 Pink
Ni (II) 3d8 Green
Cu (II) 3d9 Blue
Cu (I) 3d10 Colourless
Zn (II) 3d10 Colourless
CHEMISTRY
Example-11 Explain the blue colour of CuSO4.5H2O.
Solution Cu2+ ion (3d9) absorbs red light from the visible region, for the promotion of 3d electrons, the ions
reflect blue light and appear blue.
Magnetic Properties
It is interesting to note that when the various substances are placed in a magnetic field, they do not behave
in a similar way i.e., they show different behaviour which are known as magnetic behaviour.
These are classified as :
(i) Paramagnetic substances. The substances which are attracted by magnetic field are called paramagnetic
substances and this character arises due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the atomic orbitals.
(ii) Diamagnetic substances. The substances which are repelled by magnetic field are called diamagnetic
substances and this character arises due to the presence of paired electrons in the atomic orbitals.
Most of the compounds of transition elements are paramagnetic in nature and are attracted by the magnetic field.
The transition elements involve the partial filling of d-sub-shells. Most of the transition metal ions or their
compounds have unpaired electrons in d-sub-shell (from configuration d1 to d9) and therefore, they give rise to
paramagnetic character. The magnetic character is expressed in terms of magnetic moment. The larger the
number of unpaired electrons in a substance, the greater is the paramagnetic character and larger is the
magnetic moment. The magnetic moment is expressed in Bohr magnetons abbreviated as B.M.
Table-11 : Calculated and observed magnetic moment of ions of first transition series.
Magnetic moment
Ion Outer Configuration Number of unpaired electrons (B.M.)
Calculated observed
3+ 0
Sc 3d 0 0 0
3+ 1
Ti 3d 1 1.73 1.75
2+ 2
Ti 3d 2 2.84 2.76
2+ 3
V 3d 3 3.87 3.86
2+ 4
Cr 3d 4 4.90 4.80
2+ 5
Mn 3d 5 5.92 5.96
2+ 6
Fe 3d 4 4.90 5.3 - 5.5
2+ 7
Co 3d 3 3.87 4.4 - 5.2
2+ 8
Ni 3d 2 2.84 2.9 - 3.4
2+ 9
Cu 3d 1 1.73 1.8 - 2.2
2+ 10
Zn 3d 0 0 0
The experimental data are mainly for hydrated ions in solution or in the solid state.
Each unpaired electron have magnetic moment associated with its spin angular momentum and orbital
angular momentum. In the compounds of first transition series, the orbital angular momentum does not
contribute much and thus has no significance. Therefore, for the first transition series elements, the magnetic
moment arise only from the spin of the electrons. This can be calculated from the relation :
 = n (n  2) B.M.
where n is the number of unpaired electrons and  is magnetic moment in Bohr magneton (BM) units.
The paramagnetism first increases in any transition series and then decreases. The maximum paramagnetism
is observed around the middle of the series (as contains maximum number of unpaired electrons).
In addition to paramagnetic and diamagnetic substances, there are a few substances such as iron metal,
iron oxide which are highly magnetic (about 1000 times more than ordinary metals). These are very strongly
attracted by applied magnetic field and retained their magnetism when removed from the field are called
ferromagnetic substances.
CHEMISTRY
Example-12 Determine the magnetic moment of a divalent ion in aqueous solution if its atomic number is 25.
Solution The metal having atomic number 25 has electron configuration [Ar]18 3d5 4s2. So its divalent ion in
aqueous solution will have electron configuration [Ar]18 3d5 4s0. Thus it has five unpaired electrons.
So (spin) = 5(5  2) = 5.92 BM.
Formation of complexes :
In contrast to representative elements, the transition elements form a large number of coordination complexes.
The transition metal ions bind to a number of anions or neutral molecules in these complexes. The common
examples are [Ni(NH3)6]2+, [Co(NH3)6]3+, [Fe(CN)6]3–, [Fe(CN)6]4–, [Cu(NH3)4]2+, etc.
The great tendency of transition metal ions to form complexes is due to :
(i) small size of the atoms and ions, (ii) high nuclear charge and (iii) availability of vacant d-orbitals of suitable
energy to accept lone pairs of electrons donated by ligands.
Formation of Interstitial Compounds :
Transition metals form interstitial compounds with elements such as hydrogen, boron, carbon and nitrogen.
The small atoms of these non-metallic elements (H, B, C, N, etc.) get trapped in vacant spaces of the
lattices of the transition metal atoms as shown below.
Figure showing formation of interstitial compounds

They are generally non-stoichiometric and are neither typically ionic nor covalent. The common examples of
interstitial compounds of transition metals are TiC, Mn4N, Fe3H, TiH2 etc. It may be noted that these formula
do not correspond to any normal oxidation state of the metal. Generally, the nonstoichiometric materials are
obtained having the composition as TiH1.7, VH0.56, etc. Because of the nature of their composition, these
compounds are referred to as interstitial compounds.
As a result of the filling up of the interstitial spaces, the transition metals become rigid and hard. These
interstitial compounds have similar chemical properties as the parent metals but differ significantly in their
physical properties particularly, density, hardness and conductivity. For example, steel and cast iron are
hard because they form interstitial compounds with carbon.
The transition metals can easily accommodate the small non-metallic atoms because of void sites between
the packed atoms of the crystalline metal. These spaces are present because of defects in their structures
and existence of variable oxidation states.
The general characteristic physical and chemical properties of these compounds are :
(i) They have high melting points which are higher than those of pure metals.
(ii) They retain metallic conductivity i.e. of pure metals.
(iii) They are very hard and some borides have hardness as that of diamond.
(iv) They are chemically inert.
Catalytic properties
Many transition metals and their compounds act as good catalysts for various reactions. Of these, the use
of Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn, Pt, etc. are very common.
For example,
CHEMISTRY
(i) Iron-molybdenum is used as catalyst in the synthesis of ammonia by Haber’s process.
(ii) Nickel is used in hydrogenation reactions in organic chemistry.
(iii) V2O5 is used for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 in the Contact process for the manufacture of H2SO4.
(iv) MnO2 is used to catalyse the decomposition of H2O2 solution.
(v) Cobalt salts catalyse the decomposition of bleaching powder.
The catalytic property of transition metals is due to their tendency to form reaction intermediates with
suitable reactants. These intermediates give reaction paths of lower activation energy and, therefore increase
the rate of the reaction.
These reaction intermediates readily decompose yielding the products and regenerating the original substance.
The transition metals form these reaction intermediates due to the presence of vacant orbitals or their
tendency to form variable oxidation states.
(i) In some cases, the transition metal catalysts provide a suitable large surface area for the adsorption of the
reactant. This increases the concentration of the reactants at the catalyst surface and also weakens the
bonds in the reactant molecules. Consequently, the activation energy gets lowered.
For example, during the conversion of SO2 to SO3, V2O5 is used as a catalyst. Solid V2O5 adsorbs a molecule
of SO2 on the surface to form V2O4 and the oxygen is given to SO2 to form SO3. The divanadium tetroxide is
then converted to V2O5 by reaction with oxygen :
V2O5 + SO2 (catalyst)  SO3 + V2O4 (divanadium tetroxide)
2V2O4 + O2  2V2O5
(ii) In some cases, the transition metal ions can change their oxidation states and become more effective as
catalysts. For example, cobalt salts catalyse decomposition of bleaching powder as cobalt can easily
change oxidation state from +2 to +3 as :
Co2+ + OCl– + H2O  Co3+ + Cl– + 2OH–
2Co3+ + 2OH–  2Co2+ + H2O + ½O2
Iron (III) also catalyses the reaction between iodide and persulphate ions (S2O82–).
Example-13 How iron (III) catalyses the reaction between iodide & persulphate?
Solution 2Fe3+ + 2–  2Fe2+ + 2
2Fe2+ + S2O82–  2Fe3+ + 2SO42–
________________________________________________________
Fe (  )
2– + S2O82–   2 + 2 SO42–
Alloy Formation :
Alloys are homogeneous solid solutions in which the atoms of one metal are distributed randomly among the
atoms of the other metal. The alloys are generally formed by those atoms which have metallic radii within
about 15% of each other. Transition metals form a large number of alloys. The transition metals are quite
similar in size and, therefore, the atoms of one metal can substitute the atoms of other metal in its crystal
lattice. Thus, on cooling a mixture solution of two or more transition metals, solid alloys are formed. Such
alloys are hard, have high melting points and are more resistant to corrosion than parent metals.
For example, the most common known alloys are ferrous alloys. Chromium, manganese, vanadium, tungsten,
molybdenum etc. are used to produce variety of steels and stainless steel. Alloys of transition metals with
non-transition metals such as bronze (copper-tin), brass (copper-zinc) are also industrially important alloys.
Figure showing formation of alloys
CHEMISTRY
Example-14 Which of the following form an alloy ?

(A) Ag + Pb (B) Fe + Hg (C) Pt + Hg (D) Fe + C
Solution Argentiferrous lead is an alloy contains Ag & Pb.
'Fe' and 'C' form an alloy called cementite, Fe3C.
Therefore, (A) & (D) option are correct.
 PREPARATIONS AND PROPERTIES OF SOME IMPORTANT d-BLOCK METAL COMPOUNDS
[A] COMPOUNDS OF IRON :

 Ferrous Sulphate, FeSO4.7H2O (Green vitriol)
It is commonly known as harakasis
 Preparation
(i) By iron scrap :
Fe + H2SO4  FeSO4 + H2
(ii) From kipp's waste :
3FeS2 + 2H2O + 11O2  FeSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2SO4
Fe2(SO4)3 + Fe  3FeSO4
(iii) FeCO3 + H2SO4  FeSO4 + H2O + CO2
 Properties
(a) Physical : Hydrated ferrous sulphate is a green crystalline compound, effloresces on exposure to air.
Anhydrous FeSO4 is colourless.
(b) Chemical :
(i) On exposure to atmosphere, it turns brownish-yellow due to the formation of basic ferric sulphate.
4FeSO4 + 2H2O + O2  4Fe(OH) . SO4 (basic ferric sulphate)
(ii) Aqueous solution is acidic due to hydrolysis.
Fe2+ + 2H2O Fe(OH)2 + 2H+
140 C High
(iii) FeSO4 . 7H2O    FeSO4. H2O 300
 ºC
 2FeSO4  Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3
Temp.
(iv) FeSO4 + 6KCN  K4[Fe(CN)6] + K2SO4

(v) It acts as reducing agent.
AuCl3 + 3FeSO4  Au + Fe2(SO4)3 + FeCl3
6HgCl2 + 6FeSO4  3Hg2Cl2 + 2Fe2(SO4)3 + 2FeCl3
MnO4– + 8H+ + 5Fe2+  5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6Fe2+  6Fe3+ + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
Uses : It is used :
(i) for making Blue - Black ink.
(ii) as mordant in dyeing
(iii) as insecticide in agriculture
(iv) for making laboratory reagents like Mohr's salt etc.
FeSO4 + (NH4)2 SO4 + 6H2O)  FeSO4 (NH4)2SO4.6H2O (Mohr's salt)
(v) FeSO4 + H2O2 known as Fenton's reagent is used as catalyst.
 Ferric Oxide, Fe2O3 :

 Preparation :

(i) 2Fe(OH)3 
 Fe2O3 + 3H2O

(ii) 2FeSO4  Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3
(iii) 4FeS + 7O2  2Fe2O3 + 4SO2
CHEMISTRY
 Properties :
(a) Physical : It is a deep red powder and is insoluble in water.
(b) Chemical :
(i) Amphoteric nature of iron (III) oxide.
Fe2O3 + 6HCl  2FeCl3 + 3H2O
Fe2O3 + 2NaOH fusion
 H2O + 2NaFeO2
Fe2O3 + Na2CO3 fusion

 2NaFeO2 + CO2
NaOCl and chlorine oxidises the NaFeO2 in to Na2FeO4.

NaFeO2 + Cl2 + 4NaOH  2Na2FeO4 + 2NaCl + 2H2
(ii) 6Fe2O3 1300

 ºC
 4Fe3O4 + O2
(iii) Fe2O3 + 3H2  2Fe + 3H2O

Uses : It is used as (i) a red pigment, (ii) an abrasive polishing powder and (iii) a catalyst.
 Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 :

 Preparation :
(a) Anhydrous FeCl3 :

(i) 12FeCl2 (anhydrous) + 3O2  2Fe2O3 + 8FeCl3

(ii) 2Fe + 3Cl2(dry)  2FeCl3
(iii) FeCl3 . 6H2O + 6SOCl2  FeCl3 + 12HCl + 6SO2
OCH3
|
(iv) FeCl3.6H2O + 6CH3 — C — CH3  FeCl3 + 12CH3OH + 6CH3COCH3
|
OCH3
(b) Hydrated FeCl3 :
(i) Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl  FeCl3 + 3H2O
(ii) Fe2O3 + 6HCl  2FeCl3 + 3H2O
(iii) Fe2(CO3)3 + 6HCl  2FeCl3 + 3H2O + 3CO2
(iv) 2Fe + 4HCl + Cl2  2FeCl3 + 2H2 
All solutions of FeCl3 obtained in above chemical reactions on crystallisation gives hydrated
FeCl3.6H2O.
 Properties
(a) Physical :
Anhydrous ferric chloride is dark black solid while hydrated salt, FeCl3 . 6H2O is yellowish-brown deliquescent
crystalline solid. Both are soluble in water as well as in ether forming solvated species,
[Fe(H2O)4Cl2]Cl . 2H2O and O  FeCl3 respectively..
It is sublimed at 300°C giving a dimeric gas, .
(b) Chemical :
(i) Action of heat :

(a) 2FeCl3 (anhydrous)  2FeCl2 + Cl2

(b) 2[FeCl3. 6H2O]  Fe2O3 + 6HCl + 9H2O
(ii) Aqueous solution is acidic due to hydrolysis.
[Fe(H2O)6]3+ + H2O [Fe(H2O)5(OH)]2+ + H3O+
acid base base acid
(iii) As oxidising agent : 2FeCl3 + SnCl2  2FeCl2 + SnCl4
2FeCl3 + H2S  2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S
2FeCl3 + SO2 + 2H2O  2FeCl2 + H2SO4+ 2HCl
2FeCl3 + 2KI  2FeCl2 + 2KCl + 2
CHEMISTRY
(iv) Formation of addition compounds :
FeCl3 + 6NH3  FeCl3. 6NH3 ; FeCl3 + NOCl  FeCl3.NOCl
(v) 2FeCl3 + 3Na2CO3 + 3H2O  2Fe(OH)3 + 6NaCl + 3CO2
Uses :
It is used :
(i) as a medicine (its alcoholic solution named as tincture is ferri perchloride).
(ii) for detection of acetates and phenols.
(iii) for making prussian blue dye.
(iv) as an oxidising agent.
[B] COMPOUNDS OF ZINC :
 Zinc oxide, ZnO (Chinese white or philosopher's wool)

It is found in nature as zincite or red zinc ore.

(i) 2Zn + O2  2ZnO (ii) ZnCO3  ZnO + CO2
 
(iii) 2Zn(NO3)2  2ZnO + 4NO2 + O2 (iv) Zn(OH)2  ZnO + H2O
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is a white powder which becomes yellow on heating due to change in the structure of lattice but
again turns white on cooling. it is insoluble in water and sublimes at 400°C.
(b) Chemical :
(i) It is amphoteric in nature.
ZnO + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O
ZnO + 2NaOH  Na2ZnO2 + H2O

(ii) ZnO + H2   Zn + H2O
400 º C
Uses :
It is used :
(i) as a white paint. It does not get tarnished even in presence of H2S because ZnS is also white.
(ii) for preparing Rinmann's green (Green paint - ZnCoO2)
(iii) as catalyst for preparation of methyl alcohol
(iv) for making soft rubber
(v) for making cosmetic powders, creams and in medicine

Example-15 Zn (OH)2  [X].
Select the correct statement (s) for the compound X.
(A) X on heating with cobalt nitrate gives green mass
(B) X on heating alone, becomes yellow but turns white on cooling.
(C) Solution of X in dilute HCl gives bluish white/white precipitate with excess potassium ferrocyanide.
(D) X is insoluble in aqueous sodium hydroxide.
Solution (A) X is ZnO which on heating with cobalt nitrate gives ZnO. CoO, the Rinmann's green.
(B) It turns yellow on heating and becomes white on cooling.
(C) ZnCl2 forms bluish white/white precipitate. Zn3K2[Fe(CN)6]2.
3 Zn2+ + 2 K+ + 2 [Fe(CN)6]4–  K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2 
(D) ZnO + 2NaOH  Na2ZnO2 (soluble complex) + H2O.
So options A, B & C are correct and (D) is incorrect.
CHEMISTRY
 Zinc Sulphate, ZnSO4 . 7H2O (White vitriol)
(i) Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2
(ii) ZnO + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O
(iii) ZnCO3 + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O + CO2
 Properties :
(a) Physical : It is a colourless, crystalline solid soluble in water. It slowly effloresces when exposed to air.
It is isomorphous with Epsom salt (MgSO4 . 7H2O)
(b) Chemical :
(i) ZnSO4 + 2NaOH  Zn(OH)2 (white) + Na2SO4
Zn(OH)2 + 2NaOH  Na2ZnO2 (soluble complex) + 2H2O
(ii) ZnSO4 + 2NaHCO3  ZnCO3 + Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2
(iii) ZnSO4.7H2O 100
 ºC
 ZnSO4 . 6H2O 280
 ºC
 ZnSO4 800
 ºC
 ZnO + SO3
Uses :
It is used :
(i) as eye lotion, (ii) for making lithophone - mixture of BaS + ZnSO4 (white paint) and (iii) as mordant in
dyeing
 Zinc Chloride ZnCl2.2H2O
It is prepared by dissolving zinc oxide, carbonate or hydroxide in dilute hydrochloric acid
ZnO + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2O
The solution so obtained on concentration and cooling gives the crystals of ZnCl2 . 2H2O.
Anhydrous zinc chloride cannot be prepared merely by heating the crystals of ZnCl2 . 2H2O because
a basic chloride Zn(OH)Cl is formed during decomposition which on further heating gives ZnO.
ZnCl2 . 2H2O  Zn(OH)Cl + HCl + H2O
Zn(OH)Cl  ZnO + HCl
Hence anhydrous zinc chloride is obtained either by heating zinc in a current of chlorine gas or by
distilling a mixture of zinc powder and mercuric chloride

Zn + Cl2  ZnCl2 ; Zn + HgCl2  ZnCl2 + Hg
 Properties :
It is a white crystalline solid, deliquescent and soluble in water. On heating it forms the oxychloride and
finally the oxide. Its concentrated solution sets to a hard mass when mixed with zinc oxide and
the product is used as a dental filling.
[C] COMPOUNDS OF COPPER

 Copper Sulphate, CuSO4 . 5H2O (Blue Vitriol)
It is also called 'Nilathotha'.
 Preparation :
(i) CuO + H2SO4  CuSO4 + H2O
(ii) Cu(OH)2 + H2SO4  CuSO4 + 2H2O
1
(iii) Cu + H2SO4 + O  CuSO4 + H2O
2 2
(iv) CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 (malachite ore) + 2H2SO4  2CuSO4 + 3H2O + CO2 
 Properties
(a) Physical : It is a blue crystalline compound and is soluble in water.
(b) Chemical :
(i) CuSO4 + 2NaOH  Cu(OH)2  (blue) + Na2SO4
2CuSO4 + Na2CO3 + H2O  Cu(OH)2  (blue) + Na2SO4 + CO2  .
(ii) 2CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O + 2KI  CuI2 + 2H2SO4 + K2SO4
2CuSO4 + 2FeSO4 + 2KI  Cu2 I2 + Fe2(SO4)3 + K2SO4
CHEMISTRY
(iii) CuSO4 + Fe  Cu + FeSO4
CuSO4 + Zn  Cu + ZnSO4
(iv) 2CuSO4 + 2KSCN + SO2 + 2H2O  2CuSCN  (white) + K2SO4 + 2H2SO4
100 º C
(v) CuSO4.5H2O air CuSO4.4H2O    CuSO4 . H2O 
250 º C 750 º C
 CuSO4    CuO + SO2 + O2
effloresce s
 Uses :
It is used :
(i) for making other copper compounds.
(ii) for electroplating, electrotyping, as mordant in dyeing.
(iii) in making Bordeaux mixture which is used in agriculture as fungicide and germicide.
(iv) in making Fehling's solution.
(v) in medicine as antiseptic.
(vi) in electric batteries.
Example-16 Anhydrous white solid (A) on addition of potassium iodide solution gave a brown precipitate which
turned white (B) on addition of excess of hypo solution. When potassium cyanide is added to an
aqueous solution of (A) a white precipitate is formed which then dissolves in excess forming (C). A
solution (1%) of (A) on adding to a solution of white portion of egg produced violet colouration in
alkaline medium (i.e. in presence of NaOH). Identify compound (A) and explain the reactions.
Solution As 1% solution of (A) produced violet colouration with white portion of egg (Biuret test) and (A) with
potassium iodide gives brown precipitate which turned white on adding hypo. The (A) may be anhydrous
CuSO4 (White). This is further confirmed by the reaction of (A) with potassium cyanide.
2CuSO4 + 4K  Cu22  (white) + 2  (yellow or brown) + 2K2SO4
(A) (B)
2 + 2Na2S2O3  Na2S4O6 + 2Na
2CuSO4 + 4KCN  2 Cu(CN)2  (yellow) + 2K2SO4 ; 2Cu(CN)2  2CuCN  (white) + (CN)2 
2 CuCN + 6 KCN  2 K3 [Cu(CN)4] (colourless soluble complex).
(C)
Example-17 CuSO4.5H2O   [X] (s) 

100 º C
 [Y] (s)
250 º C
(A) X and Y are CuSO4. 3H2O and CuSO4 (B) X and Y are CuSO4. 3H2O and CuSO4 . H2O
(C) X and Y are CuSO4. H2O and CuSO4 (D) X and Y are CuSO4 and CuO
CuSO4.5H2O    CuSO4.H2O(s)   CuSO4 (s).

100 º C 250 º C
Solution
So, (C) option is correct.
 Cupric Oxide, CuO

It is called black oxide of copper and is found in nature as tenorite.
 Preparation : It is prepared
(i) By heating Cu2O in air or by heating copper for a long time in air (the temperature should not
exceed above 1100°C)
2Cu2O + O2  4CuO
2Cu + O2  2CuO

(ii) Cu(OH)2  CuO + H2O

(iii) 2Cu(NO3)2  2CuO + 4NO2 + O2
(iv) On a commercial scale, it is obtained by heating/calcination of malachite which is found in nature.
CuCO3 . Cu(OH)2  2CuO + CO2 + H2O
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is black powder insoluble in water and stable to moderate heating.
CHEMISTRY
(b) Chemical :
(i) The oxide dissolves in acids HCl, H2SO4 of HNO3 forming corresponding salts.
CuO + 2H+  Cu2+ + H2O
(ii) When heated to 1100 – 1200°C, it is converted into cuprous oxide with evolution of oxygen.
4CuO  2Cu2O + O2
(iii) It is reduced to metallic copper by reducing agents like hydrogen, carbon and carbon monoxide.
CuO + H2  Cu + H2O
 Cupric Chloride, CuCl2 . 2H2O
 Preparation :
(i) The metal or cupric oxide or cupric hydroxide or copper carbonate is dissolved in concentrated HCl.
The resulting solution on crystallisation gives green crystals of hydrated cupric chloride.
2Cu + 4HCl + O2  2CuCl2 + 2H2O
CuO + 2HCl  CuCl2 + H2O
Cu(OH)2CuCO3 + 4HCl  2CuCl2 + 3H2O + CO2
(ii) Anhydrous cupric chloride is obtained as a dark brown mass when copper metal is heated
in excess of chlorine gas or by heating hydrated cupric chloride in HCl gas at 150°C.
Cu + Cl2  CuCl2
CuCl2 . 2H2O 150
 ºC
 CuCl2 + 2H2O
HCl gas
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is deliquescent compound and is readily soluble in water. The dilute solution is blue but concentrated
solution is, however, green. It changes to yellow when concentrated HCl is added. The blue colour is due to
complex cation [Cu(H2O)4]2+ and yellow colour due to complex anion [CuCl4]2– and green when both are
present.
(b) Chemical :
(i) The aqueous solution is acidic due to its hydrolysis
CuCl2 + 2H2O Cu(OH)2 + 2HCl
(ii) The anhydrous salt on heating forms Cu2Cl2 and Cl2
2CuCl2  Cu2Cl2 + Cl2

3CuCl2 . 2H2O  CuO + Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + Cl2 + 5H2O
Strong
(iii) It is readily reduced to Cu 2Cl 2 by copper turnings or sulphur dioxide gas or nascent
hydrogen (obtained by the action of HCl on Zn) or SnCl2.
CuCl2 + Cu  Cu2Cl2
2CuCl2 + SO2 + 2H2O  Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + H2SO4
2CuCl2 + 2H  Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl
2CuCl2 + SnCl2  Cu2Cl2 + SnCl4
(iv) A pale blue precipitate of basic cupric chloride CuCl2 . 3Cu(OH)2 is obtained when NaOH is added.
CuCl2 + 2NaOH  Cu(OH)2 + 2NaCl
CuCl2 + 3Cu(OH)2  CuCl2 . 3Cu(OH)2 
It dissolves in ammonium hydroxide forming a deep blue solution. On evaporation of this solution
deep blue crystals of tetraammine cupric chloride are obtained.
CuCl2 + 4NH4OH  [Cu(NH3)4]Cl2 . H2O + 3H2O
[D] COMPOUNDS OF SILVER :

 Silver Nitrate, AgNO3 (Lunar caustic) :
 Preparation :
It is prepared by heating silver with dilute nitric acid. The solution is concentrated and cooled when the
crystals of silver nitrate separate out.
heat
3Ag + 4HNO3 (dilute)  
 3AgNO3 + NO + 2H2O
CHEMISTRY
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is a colourless crystalline compound, soluble in water and alcohol. It melts at 212°C.
(b) Chemical :
(i) It possesses powerful corrosive action on organic tissues, which it turns black especially in presence
of light. The blackening is due to finely divided metallic silver, reduced by organic tissue. It is,
therefore, stored in coloured bottles.
(ii) On heating above its melting point, it decomposes to silver nitrite and oxygen.
2AgNO3  2AgNO2 + O2
When heated red hot, it gives metallic silver
2AgNO3  2Ag + 2NO2 + O2
(iii) Solutions of halides, phosphates, sulphides, chromates, thiocyanates, sulphates and thiosulphates,
all give a precipitate of the corresponding silver salt with silver nitrate solution (for reactions refer
qualitative analysis sheet).
(iv) Solid AgNO3 absorbs ammonia gas with the formation of an addition compound, AgNO3. 3NH3.
When NH4OH is added to silver nitrate solution, a brown precipitate of silver oxide appears which
dissolves in excess of ammonia forming a complex salt.
2AgNO3 + 2NH4OH  Ag2O + 2NH4NO3 + H2O
Ag2O + 2NH4NO3 + 2NH4OH  2[Ag(NH3)2]NO3 + 3H2O
(v) The ammonical solution of AgNO3 react with acetylene to form a white precipitate.
2AgNO3 + 2NH4OH + C2H2  Ag2C2 (silver acetylide) + 2NH4NO3 + 2H2O
(vi) Ammonical silver nitrate is called Tollen’s reagent and is used to identify reducing sugars and
aldehydes.

RCHO + 2Ag+ + 3OH–  RCOO– + 2Ag + 2H2O
It is known as “silver mirror” test of aldehydes and reducing sugars.
Ag2O + HCHO  2Ag + HCOOH
Ag2O + C6H12O6  2Ag + C6H12O7
(vii) Reaction with iodine :

(a) 6AgNO3 (excess) + 3I2 + 3H2O  AgIO3 + 5AgI + 6HNO3
(b) 5AgNO3 + 3I2 (excess) + 3H2O  HIO3 + 5AgI+ 5HNO3
(viii) Silver is readily displaced from an aqueous silver nitrate solution by the base metals, particularly, if
the solution is some what acidic.
2AgNO3 + Cu  2Ag + Cu(NO3)2
2AgNO3 + Zn  2Ag + Zn(NO3)2
(ix) Phosphine, arsine and stibine all precipitate silver from silver nitrate solution
PH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3PO3
AsH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3AsO3
Uses :
(i) It is used as a laboratory reagent for the identification of various acidic radicals especially for chloride,
bromide and iodide. The ammonical silver nitrate solution i.e., Tollen's reagent is used in organic
chemistry for testing aldehydes, reducing sugars, etc.
(ii) Silver nitrate is used for making silver bromide which is used in photography.
(iii) It is used in the preparation of making inks and hair dyes.
(iv) It is used extensively for the preparation of silver mirrors. The process of depositing a thin and
uniform layer of silver on a clean glass surface is known as silvering of mirrors. It is employed for
making looking glasses, concave mirrors and reflecting surfaces. The process is based on the
reduction of ammonical silver nitrate solution by some reducing agent like HCHO. The silver film
deposited on the glass is first coated with a varnish and finally painted with red lead to prevent its
being scraped off.
CHEMISTRY
 Silver oxide (Ag2O) :
 Preparation :
It is prepared as brown solid by adding sodium hydroxide solution to silver nitrate solution.
2AgNO3 + 2NaOH  Ag2O + 2NaNO3 + H2O
 Properties :
It is a brown solid sparingly soluble in water.
(i) On heating, it is decomposed to black metallic silver with evolution of oxygen at 160°C.

2Ag2O  4Ag + O2 
(ii) It is reduced to the metal by hydrogen on heating

Ag2O + H2  2Ag + H2O
(iii) The aqueous solution is strongly basic, solution behaving as AgOH. Moist silver oxide hydrolyses
the alkyl halide to alcohol.
C2H5Br + AgOH  C2H5OH + AgBr
(iv) Dry distillation of a mixture of alkyl halide with silver oxide produces ether.

2C2H5Br + Ag2O  C2H5 – O – C2H5 + 2AgBr
Uses :
It is used :
 As Tollen’s reagent for the detection of aldehydes, formic acid and terminal alkynes.
 In the manufacture of mirrors.
Photography :
A photographic film consists of a light sensitive emulsion of fine particles (grains) of silver salts in gelatine
spread on a clear celluloid strip or a glass plate. The grain size is very important to photographers, as this
affects the quality of the pictures produced. AgBr is mainly used as the light sensitive material. Some AgI is
used in ‘fast’ emulsions.
The film is placed in a camera. When the photograph is exposed, light from the subject enters the camera
and is focussed by the lens to give a sharp image on the film. The light starts a photochemical reaction by
exciting a halide ion, which loses an electron. The electron moves in a conduction band to the surface of the
grain, where it reduces a Ag+ ion to metallic silver.
light
2AgBr(s)   2Ag + Br2
In modern photography only a short exposure of perhaps 1/100th of a second is used. In this short time, only
a few atoms of silver (perhaps 10–50) are produced in each grain exposed to light. Parts of the film which
have been exposed to the bright parts of the subject contain a lot of grains with some silver. Parts exposed
to paler parts of the subject contains a few grains with some silver, whilst parts not exposed contain none.
Thus the film contains a latent image of the subject. However, the number of silver atoms produced is so
small that the image is not visible to the eye.
Next the film is placed a developer solution. This is a mild reducing agent, usually containing quinol. Its
purpose is to reduce more silver halide to Ag metal. Ag is deposited mainly where there are already some Ag
atoms. Thus the developing process intensifies the latent image on the film so it becomes visible. The
correct conditions for processing must be used to obtain an image of the required blackness.
2AgBr(s) + 2OH–(aq) + HO OH (aq)  2Ag(s) + 2H2O() + O O + 2Br–(aq)
hydroquinol hydroquinone
If the film was brought out into daylight at this stage, the unexposed parts of the emulsion would turn black
and thus destroy the picture. To prevent this happening any unchanged silver halides are removed by placing
the film in a fixer solution. A solution of sodium thiosulphate is used as fixer. It forms a soluble complex with
silver halides.
AgBr + 2Na2S2O3  Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr
After fixing, the film can safely be brought out into daylight. Parts blackened by silver represent the light parts
of the original picture. This is therefore a negative.
To obtain an image with light and dark the right way round, a print must be made. Light is passed through the
negative onto a piece of paper coated with AgBr emulsion. This is then developed and fixed in the same way
as before.
CHEMISTRY
[E] POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE (KMnO4) :
 Preparation
This is the most important and well known salt of permanganic acid and is prepared from the pyrolusite ore.
It is prepared by fusing pyrolusite ore either with KOH or K2CO3 in presence of atmospheric oxygen or any
other oxidising agent such as KNO3. The fused mass turns green with the formation of potassium manganate,
K2MnO4.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
2MnO2 + 2K2CO3 + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2CO2
The fused mass is extracted with water and the solution is now treated with a current of chlorine or ozone or
carbon dioxide to convert manganate into permanganate.
2K2MnO4 + Cl2  2KMnO4 + 2KCl
2K2MnO4 + H2O + O3  2KMnO4 + 2KOH + O2
3K2MnO4 + 2CO2  2KMnO4 + MnO2 + 2K2CO3
Commercially it is prepared by fusion of MnO2 with KOH followed by electrolytic oxidation of manganate.
MnO42– (green)  MnO4– (purple) + e–
In the laboratory, a manganese(II) ion salt is oxidised by peroxodisulphate to permanganate
2Mn2+ + 5S2O82– + 8H2O  2MnO4– + 10SO42– + 16H+
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is purple coloured crystalline compound. It is moderately soluble in water at room temperature.
(b) Chemical :
(i) Effect of heating
When heated alone or with an alkali, it decomposes evolving oxygen.
2KMnO4 750
 K
 K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
Re d
2K2MnO4  2K MnO + O
2 3 2
Heat

4KMnO4 + 4KOH   4K2MnO4 + 2H2O + O2
or

4MnO4– + 4OH– 
 4MnO42– + O2 + 2H2O.
MnO42– in dilute alkaline, water and acidic solutions is unstable and disproportionates to give MnO4– and
MnO2 .
3MnO42– + 4H+  2MnO4– + MnO2  + 2H2O
3MnO42– + 2H2O  2MnO4– + MnO2  + 4OH–
or
3MnO4 + 3H2O  2MnO4– + MnO (OH)2  + 4OH–
2–
On heating in current of H2 , solid KMnO4 gives MnO


2KMnO4 + 5H2 
 2KOH + 2MnO + 4H2O
(ii) On treatment with concentrated H2SO4 (KMnO4 is taken in excess), it forms manganese heptoxide
via permanganyl sulphate which decomposes explosively on heating.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  2KHSO4 + (MnO3)2SO4 + 2H2O
(MnO3)2SO4 + H2O  Mn2O7 + H2SO4
3
Mn2O7  2MnO2 + O2
2
KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 (conc.)  K+ + MnO3+ (green) + 3HSO4– + H3O+.
CHEMISTRY
(iii) Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidising agent.
Potassium permanganate acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline, neutral or acidic solutions.
 A mixture of sulphur, charcoal and KMnO4 forms an explosive powder. A mixture of oxalic acid and
KMnO4 catches fire spontaneous after a few seconds. The same thing happens when glycerine is
poured over powdered KMnO4.
 In alkaline & neutral medium :
In strongly alkaline medium KMnO4 is reduced to manganate.
2KMnO4 + 2KOH (conc.)  2K2 MnO4 + H2O + [O]
or
e– + MnO4–  MnO42–
However if solution is dilute then K2MnO4 is converted in to MnO2 which appears as a brownish
precipitate.
2K2MnO4 + 2H2O  2MnO2 + 4KOH + 2[O]
or
2e– + 2H2O + MnO42–  MnO2 + 4OH–
This type of behaviour is shown by KMnO4 itself in neutral medium
3e– + 2H2O + MnO4–  MnO2 + 4OH–
In alkaline or neutral medium KMnO4 shows following oxidising properties.
(a) It oxidises ethene to glycol.
 In alkaline medium KMnO4 solution is also known as Bayer’s reagent (1% alkaline KMnO4 solution).
(b) It oxidises iodide into iodate.
3e– + 2H2O + MnO4–  MnO2 + 4OH– × [2]
6OH– + –  O3– + 3H2O + 6e–
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2MnO4– + – + H2O  2MnO2 + O3– + 2OH–
(c) H2S is oxidised into sulphur :
2MnO4– + 3H2S  2MnO2 + 2OH– +2H2O + 3S
(d) Manganese sulphate is oxidised to MnO2 :
2MnO4– + 3MnSO4 + 2H2O  K2SO4 + 5MnO2 + 2H2SO4
(e) In neutral/ faintly alkaline solution thiosulphate is quantitatively oxidised to sulphate.
8MnO4– + 3S2O32– + H2O  8MnO2 + 6SO42– + 2OH–
(f) In the presence of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulphite is oxidised in to sodium sulphate.
2MnO4– + 3SO32– + 3H2O  2MnO(OH)2  + 3SO42– + 2OH–.
 In acidic medium (in presence of dilute H2SO4) :

Manganous sulphate is formed. The solution becomes colourless.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
or MnO4¯ + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O
This medium is used in quantitative (volumetric) estimations. The equivalent mass of KMnO4 in
Molecular mass
acidic medium is = .
5
(a) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.

MnO4¯ + 5Fe2+ + 8H+  5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O
(b) Iodine is evolved from potassium iodide.
2MnO4¯ + 10I¯ + 16H+  2Mn2+ + 5I2 + 8H2O
CHEMISTRY
(c) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :
2MnO4– + 16H+ + 5S2–  2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 5S
(d) SO2 is oxidised to H2SO4 :
2MnO4– + 5SO2 + 2H2O  5SO42– + 2Mn2+ + 4H+
(e) Nitrites are oxidised to nitrates :
2MnO4– + 5NO2– + 6H+  2Mn2+ + 3H2O + 5NO3–
(f) Oxalic acid is oxidised to CO2 :
This reaction is slow at room temperature, but is rapid at 60ºC.
Mn(II) ions produced catalyse the reaction; thus the reaction is autocatalytic.
60 º C
2MnO4– + 16H+ + 5C2O42–  2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 10CO2
(g) HCHO is oxidised to HCOOH
2MnO4– + 5HCHO + 6H+  2Mn2+ + 5HCOOH + 3H2O.
(h) It oxidises hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr or HI) into X2 (halogen)
2MnO4– + 16H+ + 10X–  2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 5X2
(i) H2O2 is oxidised to O2.
2MnO4– + 6H+ + 5H2O2  5O2 + Mn2+ + 8H2O.
 Uses :
(i) KMnO4 is used as an oxidising agent in laboratory and industry.
(ii) Alkaline potassium permanganate is called Bayer's reagent. This reagent is used in organic
chemistry for the test of unsaturation. KMnO4 is used in the manufacture of saccharin,
benzoic acid, acetaldehyde etc.
(iii) KMnO4 is used in qualitative analysis for detecting halides, sulphites, oxalates, etc.
Example-18 Potassium permanganate acts as an oxidant in neutral, alkaline as well as acidic media. The final
products obtained from it in three conditions are respectively :
(A) MnO42– , Mn3+ and Mn2+ (B) MnO2 , MnO2 and Mn2+
+ 3+
(C) MnO2 , MnO2 and Mn (D) MnO , MnO2+ and Mn2+
Solution 3e– + 2H2O + MnO4–  MnO2 + 4OH– (neutral medium)
e– +MnO4–  MnO4–2 (dilute alkaline medium)
MnO4¯ + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O (acidic medium)
Therefore, (B) option is correct.
[F] POTASSIUM DICHROMATE (K2Cr2O7) :

The chromite ore is roasted with sodium carbonate in presence of air in a reverberatory furnace
Roasting
4FeO. Cr2O3 (chromite ore) + 8Na2CO3 + 7O2   8Na CrO + 2Fe O + 8CO
in air 2 4 2 3 2
The roasted mass is extracted with water when Na 2CrO 4 goes into the solution leaving behind
insoluble Fe2O3. The solution is then treated with calculated amount of H2SO4.
2Na2CrO4 + H2SO4  Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O
The solution is concentrated when less soluble Na2SO4 crystallises out. The solution is further concentrated
when crystals of Na2Cr2O7 are obtained. Hot saturated solution of Na2Cr2O7 is then treated with KCl when
orange red crystals of K2Cr2O7 are obtained on crystallisation.
Na2Cr2O7 + 2KCI  K2Cr2O7 + 2 NaCl
CHEMISTRY
 K2Cr2O7 is preferred over Na2Cr2O7 as a primary standard in volumetric estimation because Na2Cr2O7
is hygroscopic in nature but K2Cr2O7 is not.
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is orange-red coloured crystalline compound. It is moderately soluble in cold water but freely soluble in hot
water. It melts at 398°C.
(b) Chemical :
(i) Effect of heating :
On heating strongly, it decomposes liberating oxygen.
3
2K2Cr2O7  2K2CrO4 + Cr2O3 + O
2 2
On heating with alkalies, it is converted to chromate, i.e., the colour changes from orange to yellow.
On acidifying, yellow colour again changes to orange.
K2Cr2O7 + 2KOH  2K2CrO4 + H2O
Cr2O 2
7 + 2OH¯
 2CrO 2
4 + H2 O
Orange Yellow
2CrO 2
4 + 2H
+
 Cr2O 2
7 + H2 O
Yellow Orange
Thus CrO42– and Cr2O72– exist in equilibrium and are interconvertable by altering the pH of solution.
2CrO 2
4 + 2H
+
2HCrO4– Cr2O 2
7 + H2 O
 In alkaline solution, chromate ions are present while in acidic solution, dichromate ions are present.
(ii) K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4 (conc. & cold)  2CrO3  (bright orange/red) + 2KHSO4 + H2O
2K Cr O 2 2 7
+ 8H2SO4 (conc. & Hot)  2K2SO4 + 8H2O + 2Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2
(iii) Acidified K2Cr2O7 solution reacts with H2O2 to give a deep blue solution due to the formation of CrO5.
Cr2O72– + 2H+ + 4H2O2  2CrO5 + 5H2O
Blue colour in aqueous solution fades away slowly due to the decomposition of CrO5 to Cr3+ ions and
oxygen. In less acidic solution K2Cr2O7 and H2O2 give salt which is violet coloured and diamagnetic
due to the formation of [CrO(O2)(OH)]–. In alkaline medium with 30% H2O2, a red-brown K3CrO8
(diperoxo) is formed. It is tetra peroxospecies [Cr(O2)4]3– and thus the Cr is in +V oxidation state. In
ammonical solution a dark red-brown compound, (NH3)3CrO4 - diperoxo compound with Cr(IV) is
formed.
(iv) Potassium dichromate reacts with hydrochloric acid and evolves chlorine gas.
K2Cr2O7 + 14HCl  2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 7H2O + 3Cl2
(v) It acts as a powerful oxidising agent in acidic medium (dilute H2SO4)
Cr2O 2 +
7 + 14H + 6e
–
 2Cr+3 + 7H2O. (Eº = 1.33 V)
The oxidation state of Cr changes from + 6 to +3.
(a) Iodine is liberated from potassium iodide :
Cr2O 2 +
7 + 14H + 6e
–
 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
2–  2 + 2e– × [3]
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Cr2O 2 +
7 + 14H + 6¯
 2Cr3+ + 32 + 7H2O
(b) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts :
6Fe2+ + Cr2O 2
7 + 14H
+
 6Fe3+ + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
(c) Sulphites are oxidised to sulphates :

2 +  2
Cr2O 2
7 + 3SO 3 + 8H 3SO 4 + 2Cr3+ + 4H2O
(d) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :

+ 
Cr2O 2
7 + 3H2S + 8H 2Cr3+ + 7H2O + 3S
CHEMISTRY
(e) SO2 is oxidised to H2SO4 :
Cr2O72– + 3SO2 + 2H+  2Cr3+ + 3SO42– + H2O ;
 Chrome alum is obtained when acidified K2Cr2O7 solution is saturated with SO2.
 70 ºC
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + SO2 + H2O T  K2SO4 . Cr2(SO4)3 . 24H2O
(f) It oxidises ethylalcohol to acetaldehyde and acetaldehyde to acetic acid

C2H5OH [O]
CH3CHO [O]
CH3COOH
ethyl alcohol acetaldehyde acetic acid
(g) It also oxidises nitrites to nitrates, arsenites to arsenates, HBr to Br2. HI to I2, etc.

(h) K2Cr2O7 + 2C (charcoal) 
 Cr2O3 + K2CO3 + CO 
(vi) Chromyl chloride test : 4Cl– + Cr2O72– + 6H+  2CrO2Cl2  (deep red) + 3H2O
CrO2Cl2 + 4OH–  CrO42– (yellow) + 2Cl– + 2H2O
CrO42– (yellow) + Pb2+  PbCrO4  (yellow)
(vii) Cr2O72– (concentrated solution) + 2Ag+  Ag2Cr2O7  (reddish brown)
Ag2Cr2O7  + H2O boil
 Ag2CrO4  + CrO4 + 2H .
2– +
(viii) Cr2O72– + Ba2+ + H2O 2BaCrO4  + 2H+

As strong acid is produced, the precipitation is only partial. But if NaOH or CH3COONa is added,
precipitate becomes quantitative.
Uses :
It is used :
(i) as a volumetric reagent in the estimation of reducing agents such as oxalic acid, ferrous ions, iodide
ions, etc. It is used as a primary standard.
(ii) for the preparation of several chromium compounds such as chrome alum, chrome yellow, chrome
red, zinc yellow, etc.
(iii) in dyeing, chrome tanning, calico printing, photography etc.
(iv) as a cleansing agent for glass ware in the form of chromic acid.
Example-19 An inorganic compound (A) has garnet red prismatic crystals. (A) is moderately soluble in water and
dissolves in cold concentrated H2SO4 to yield red crystals (B). In presence of dilute H2SO4 it
converts a pungent gas (C) into a yellow turbidity (D) and converts a suffocating gas (E) into a green
solution (F). The gas (C) and (E) also combine to produce the yellow turbidity (D). With K and
starch in presence of dilute. H2SO4 (A) yields blue colour. (A) and concentrated H2SO4 mixture is
used as a cleansing agent for glassware in the laboratory. Identify (A) and explain the reactions.
Solution As compound (A) has garnet red prismatic crystals which with cold conc. H2SO4 gives red crystals
and a suffocating gas (SO2) turns its solution in water in to green coloured solution, therefore compound
(A) may be K2Cr2O7 .
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S  KHSO4 + 2 CrO3 (red crystals) + H2O
(A) (B)
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S  K2SO4 + Cr2 (SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3S (Yellow)
(C) (D)
K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + 3SO2  Cr2 (SO4)3 (Green solution) + K2SO4 + H2O
(E) (F)
K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 6K  4K2SO4 + Cr2 (SO4)3 + 7H2O + 32
2 + Starch  Blue colour
CHEMISTRY
MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED PROBLEMS (MSPs)

1. Among the following statements choose the true or false statement(s).
(a) K2Cr2O7 on heating with charcoal gives metallic potassium and Cr2O3.
(b) On heating in current of H2 the crystalline KMnO4 is converted into KOH and Mn3O4.
(c) Hydrated ferric chloride on treatment with 2, 2–dimethoxypropane gives anhydrous ferric chloride.
Ans. (a) False (b) False (c) True

Sol. (a) K2Cr2O7 + 2C (charcoal) 
 Cr2O3 + K2CO3 + CO  .

(b) 2KMnO4 + 5H2 
 2 KOH + 2MnO + 4H2O.
OCH3
|
(c) FeCl3 . 6H2O + 6CH3 — C — CH3  FeCl3 (anhydrous) + 12CH3OH + 6CH3COCH3 .
|
OCH3
2. A compound (A) is used in paints instead of salts of lead. Compound (A) is obtained when a white compound
(B) is strongly heated. Compound (B) is insoluble in water but dissolves in sodium hydroxide forming a
solution of compound (C). The compound (A) on heating with coke gives a metal (D) and a gas (E) which
burns with blue flame. (B) also dissolves in ammonium sulphate solution mixed with ammonium hydroxide.
Solution of compound (A) in dilute HCl gives a bluish white / white precipitate (F) with excess of K4[Fe(CN)6].
Identify (A) to (F) and explain the reactions.
Ans. (A) ZnO, (B) Zn(OH)2, (C) Na2 ZnO2 , (D) Zn, (E) CO, (F) K2Zn3 [Fe(CN)6]2

Sol. Zn(OH)2 (B) 
 ZnO (A) + H2O.
Zn(OH)2 (B)  + 2OH–  [Zn(OH)4]2– (C) (soluble complex).

ZnO (A) + C 
 Zn (D) + CO (E).
Zn(OH)2 (B) + 4NH3  [Zn(NH3)4]2+ (soluble complex) + 2OH–.
ZnO + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2O.
3ZnCl2 + 2K4[Fe(CN)6]  K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2  (bluish white/white) (F) + 6KCl.
3. An unknown inorganic compound (X) gave the following reactions:

(i) The compound (X) on heating gave a residue, oxygen and oxide of nitrogen.
(ii) An aqueous solution of compound (X) on addition to tap water gave a turbidity which
did not dissolve in HNO3.
(iii) The turbidity dissolves in NH4OH.
Identify the compound (X) and give equations for the reactions (i), (ii) & (iii).
Ans. X = AgNO3

Sol. 2AgNO3 (X)   2 Ag + 2NO2 + O2 .
AgNO3 (aq.) + Cl—  AgCl  (white) + NO3— .
AgCl + 2NH3  [Ag(NH3)2]+ (soluble complex).
4. Amongst [TiF6]2– , [CoF6]3– , Cu2 Cl2 and [NiCl4]2– [Atomic number ; Ti = 22, Co = 27, Cu = 29, Ni = 28] the
colourless species are :
(A) [TiF6]2– and [Cu2Cl2] (B) Cu2Cl2 and [NiCl4]2– (C) [TiF6]2– and [CoF6]3– (D) [CoF6]3– and [NiCl4]2–
Ans. (A)
Sol. In [TiF6] 2– the titanium is in +4 oxidation state having the electronic configuration [Ar]18 3d0 4s0. Similarly in
Cu2Cl2 the copper is in +1 oxidation state having the electronic configuration [Ar]18 3d10 4s0. As they do not
have any unpaired electrons for d-d transition, they are therefore colourless.
In [NiCl4]2– the nickel is in +2 oxidation state and electronic configuration is [Ar]18 3d8 4s0. As it has two
unpaired electrons, so the complex is coloured.
In [CoF6]3–, the cobalt is in +3 oxidation state having electron configuration [Ar] 3d6 4s0. As it has four
unpaired electrons, so the complex is coloured.
CHEMISTRY
5. On the basis of trends in the properties of the 3d-series elements, suggests possible M2+ aqua ions for use
as reducing agents, and write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of one of these ions with O2 in
acidic solution.
Sol. Because oxidation state +2 is most stable for the later elements of 3d-series elements, strong reducing
agents include ions of the metals on the left of the series: such ions include V2+ (aq) and Cr2+ (aq) The Fe2+
(aq) ion is only weakly reducing. The Co2+ (aq), Ni2+ (aq), and Cu2+ (aq) ions are not oxidized in water.
 0.77
Fe3+  2+
 Fe   Fe
– 0.44

The chemical equation for the oxidation is then
4 Fe2+ (aq) + O2(g) + 4H+ (aq)  4Fe3+ (aq) + 2H2O ().
6. Match the reactions given in column-I with the characteristic(s) of the reaction products given in
column-II.
Column-I Column-II
TiCl4 

Zn
(A) (p) One of the products is bright orange coloured but
diamagnetic.
(B) FeCl3  
573 K
(q) One of the products is green coloured and paramagnetic.
KMnO4  
750 K
(C) (r) One of the products is violet and paramagnetic.
(D) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 (cold & conc.) (s) One of the products exists as dimer.
Ans. [A – r] ; [B – s ; [C – q] ; [D – p].
(A) TiCl4 

 TiCl3, violet (one unpaired electron so d-d transition is possible).
Zn
Sol.
(B) 2FeCl3  
573 K
gas dimer..
(C) 2KMnO4   K2MnO4 green (one unpaired electron so d-d transition is possible) + MnO2 + O2 .
750 K
(D) K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4  2CrO3 bright orange (diamagnetic) + 2KHSO4 + H2O.
7. Which of the following is true for the species having 3d4 configuration ?
(A) Cr2+ is reducing in nature. (B) Mn3+ is oxidising in nature.
(C) Both (A) and (B) (D) None of these
Sol. Cr is reducing as its configuration changes from d4 to d3, the latter having a half-filled t32g energy level of 3d
2+
orbitals in octahedral crystal field spliting. On the other hand, the change from Mn3+ to Mn2+ results in the
half-filled (d5) configuration which has extra stability.
8. Which of the following increasing order of oxidising power is correct for the following species ?
VO2+ , MnO4– , Cr2O72–
(A) VO2+ < Cr2O72– < MnO4– (B) VO2+ < MnO4– < Cr2O72–
(C) Cr2O72– < VO2+ < MnO4– (D) Cr2O72– < MnO4– < VO2+
Sol. This is attributed to the increasing stability of the lower species to which they are reduced.
MnO4– is reduced to Mn2+ which has stable half filled valence shell electron configuration [3d5].
Cr2O72– is reduced to Cr3+ which has half filled t32g energy level of 3d orbitals in octahedral crystal field spliting
VO2+ is reduced to V3+ which has electronic configuration [Ar]18 3d2 4s0.
So the order of increasing stability of the reduced species is Mn2+ > Cr3+ > V3+ and, therefore, the increasing
order of oxidising power is VO2+ < Cr2O72– < MnO4– .
CHEMISTRY
9. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct ?
(A) Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.
(B) The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high
(C) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds
(D) Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.
Sol. (A) As metal ions generally contain one or more unpaired electrons in them & hence their complexes
are generally paramagnetic
(B) Because of having larger number of unpaired electrons in their atoms, they have stronger inter
atomic interaction and hence stronger bonding between the atoms.
(C) According to CFT, in presence of ligands the colour of the compound is due to the d-d transition of
the electrons.
(D) This activity is ascribed to their ability to adopt multiple oxidation state and to form complexes.
Therefore, (A,B,C,D) options are correct.
10. When CO2 is passed into aqueous :

(A) Na2CrO4 solution, its yellow colour changes to orange.
(B) K2MnO4 solution, it disproportionates to KMnO4 and MnO2
(C) Na2Cr2O7 solution, its orange colour changes to green
(D) KMnO4 solution, its pink colour changes to green.
H
Sol. (A) Na2CrO4 
 Na2Cr2O7 (orange colour)
H
(B) MnO42–   MnO4– + MnO2 , in neutral or acidic medium
(C) False - In acidic medium no colour change takes place.
–
(D) MnO4– + e–  MnO42– ; in strong alkaline medium pink colour of KMnO4 changes to green.
OH
Therefore, (A,B) options are correct.
11. Which of the following statement(s) is (are) not correct with reference to ferrous and ferric ions
(A) Fe3+ gives brown colour with potassium ferricyanide
(B) Fe2+ gives blue precipitate with potassium ferricyanide
(C) Fe3+ gives red colour with potassium sulphocyanide
(D) Fe2+ givesbrowncolour withpotassium sulphocyanide
Sol. Fe3+ produces red colouration with KSCN but Fe2+ does not give brown colour with KSCN.
Therefore, (D) option is correct.
12. STATEMENT-1 : Ammonical silver nitrate converts glucose to gluconic acid and metallic silver is precipitated.
STATEMENT-2 : Glucose acts as a weak reducing agent.
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True
Sol. (A) Ag2O + C6H12O6  2Ag + C6H12O7.
13. STATEMENT-1 : The number of unpaired electrons in the following gaseous ions :
Mn3+, Cr3+, V3+ and Ti3+ are 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively.
STATEMENT-2 : Cr3+ is most stable in aqueous solution among these ions.
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True
Sol. (B) Mn3+ = [Ar]18 3d4 , Cr+3 = [Ar]18 3d3 , V3+ = [Ar]18 3d2 , Ti3+ = [Ar]18 3d1
Cr3+ is most stable in aqueous solution because it has half filled t32g energy level of 3d orbitals in
octahedral crystal field spliting and according to crystal field theory (CFT) it has highest value of
CFSE i.e. 1.2 O.
CHEMISTRY
14. S1 : Interstitial compounds have high melting points, higher than those of pure metals.
S2 : Permanganate titrations in presence of hydrochloric acid are unsatisfactory.
S3 : KMnO4 does not act as an oxidising agent in strong alkaline medium.
S4 : KMnO4 on heating in a current of H2 gives MnO.
(A) T T F T (B) T F F T (C) T F T T (D) F F T F
Sol. S1 : Due to strong interatomic forces.
S2 : Some of the hydrochloric acid is oxidised to chlorine and thus we get less volume of KMnO4 than the
actual one.
OH–
S3 : MnO4– + e–  MnO42–
S4 : 2KMnO4 + 5H2  2KOH + 2MnO + H2O.
15. Match the reactions in Column I with nature of the reactions/type of the products in Column II.
Column I Column II
(A) AgNO3(aq) + I2 (excess) + H2O  (p) Disproportionation
(B) K2MnO4(aq) + CO2(g)  (q) Comproportionation

(C) Na2Cr2O7 + C  (r) Redox
(D) CuCl2(aq) + Cu(s)  (s) One of the products is insoluble in water
Ans. (A  p, r, s) ; (B  p, r, s) ; (C  r, s) : (D  q, r, s)
0 V –1
Sol. (A) 5AgNO3(aq) + 3 I 2 (excess) + 3H2O  HIO3 + 5AgI + 5HNO3
So it is redox and disproportionation reaction. AgI insoluble in water.
 VI  VII IV
(B) 3K 2MnO 4 (aq) + 2CO2(g)  2KMnO4 + MnO 2 + 2K2CO3
So it is redox and disproportionation reaction. MnO2 insoluble in water.
0  VI III IV II

(C) 2C + Na 2Cr2O7  Cr2O3 + Na 2CO3 + CO 
So it is redox reaction. Cr2O3 (green pigment) is insoluble in water.
II 0 I
(D) CuCl2 (aq) + Cu (s)  Cu2Cl2 (s)
So it is redox and comproportionation reaction. Cu2Cl2 is insoluble in water.

Transition Elements Chemistry Guide

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Transition Elements Chemistry Guide

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CHEMISTRY

 rd transition series or 5d series corresponding to filling of 5d sub-shell consists of following

Example-3 The number of transition series is :

hcp hcp bcc bcc X bcc ccp ccp ccp X

Graph showing Trends in enthalpies of atomisation of transition elements

Example-5 The atomic radii of transition elements in a period are

 IInd and IIIrd ionisation energies also increase along a period.

Graph Showing Trends in Ionisation Energies

Example-6 Zn forms only Zn2+ and not Zn3+, why?

Oxidation states given in parenthesis are unstable.

+4 (+3) +3 (+4) +3 +3 (+3) (+2)

(+4) +4 (+5) +4 +4 +4 (+3)

Table-4 : Different oxidation states of elements of third transition series.

+3 (+3) (+2) +2 (-1) +2 +2 +2 +1 +1

Total 11.29 × 103 kJ mol–1 9.36 × 103 kJ mol–1

M+(g) + nH2O  M+(aq) Enthalpy of hydration, hydH

2H+(aq) + M(s) M2+ (aq) + H2(g)

+4 TiO2 V2O4 CrO2 MnO2

+3 Sc2O3 Ti2O3 V2O3 Cr2O3 Mn2O3 Fe2O3

+2 TiO VO (CrO) MnO FeO CoO NiO CuO ZnO

Mixed oxides Mn3O4 Fe3O4 Co3O4

Figure showing electronic transition from t2g to eg orbitals.

Ion Outer Configuration Colour of the ion

Figure showing formation of interstitial compounds

Figure showing formation of alloys

Example-14 Which of the following form an alloy ?

 PREPARATIONS AND PROPERTIES OF SOME IMPORTANT d-BLOCK METAL COMPOUNDS

[A] COMPOUNDS OF IRON :

(iv) FeSO4 + 6KCN  K4[Fe(CN)6] + K2SO4

 Ferric Oxide, Fe2O3 :

Fe2O3 + Na2CO3 fusion

NaOCl and chlorine oxidises the NaFeO2 in to Na2FeO4.

(ii) 6Fe2O3 1300

(iii) Fe2O3 + 3H2  2Fe + 3H2O

 Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 :

[Fe(H2O)4Cl2]Cl . 2H2O and O  FeCl3 respectively..

It is sublimed at 300°C giving a dimeric gas, .

 Zinc oxide, ZnO (Chinese white or philosopher's wool)

[C] COMPOUNDS OF COPPER

Example-17 CuSO4.5H2O   [X] (s) 

CuSO4.5H2O    CuSO4.H2O(s)   CuSO4 (s).

 Cupric Oxide, CuO

[D] COMPOUNDS OF SILVER :

(vii) Reaction with iodine :

2AgBr(s) + 2OH–(aq) + HO OH (aq)  2Ag(s) + 2H2O() + O O + 2Br–(aq)

On heating in current of H2 , solid KMnO4 gives MnO

(a) It oxidises ethene to glycol.

 In acidic medium (in presence of dilute H2SO4) :

(a) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.

[F] POTASSIUM DICHROMATE (K2Cr2O7) :

(c) Sulphites are oxidised to sulphates :

(d) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :

(f) It oxidises ethylalcohol to acetaldehyde and acetaldehyde to acetic acid

(viii) Cr2O72– + Ba2+ + H2O 2BaCrO4  + 2H+

2 + Starch  Blue colour

MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED PROBLEMS (MSPs)

3. An unknown inorganic compound (X) gave the following reactions:

(A) TiCl4 

10. When CO2 is passed into aqueous :

Therefore, (A,B) options are correct.

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