The f- and d- block elements

  • Comparison of properties within the d-series

Introduction to f-block elements

  • The f-block elements are a series of elements located at the bottom of the periodic table.
  • They belong to two separate series: the lanthanoids (4f series) and the actinoids (5f series).
  • The 4f and 5f orbitals are being filled in the corresponding series.
  • They exhibit unique electronic configurations and have varying properties.

Lanthanoids

  • Lanthanoids are the elements found in the 4f series.
  • They have atomic numbers ranging from 57 (La) to 71 (Lu).
  • Lanthanoids are also known as rare earth elements.
  • They have similar chemical properties due to the filling of 4f orbitals.
  • Lanthanoids exhibit oxidation states from +3 to +4.

Actinoids

  • Actinoids are the elements found in the 5f series.
  • They have atomic numbers ranging from 89 (Ac) to 103 (Lr).
  • Actinoids are radioactive elements with unstable nuclei.
  • Actinoids have a wide range of oxidation states, including +3, +4, +5, +6, and even higher.

Comparison of properties within the d-series

  • Transition elements or d-block elements are located between the s-block and p-block elements on the periodic table.
  • They have partially filled d-orbitals in their atomic or ionic states.
  • Transition metals exhibit characteristic properties such as variable oxidation states, colored compounds, and catalytic activity.
  • They show similarities in their chemical behavior within the d-series.

Electronic configuration

  • Transition elements have stable electron configurations with completely filled or half-filled d-orbitals.
  • The electronic configurations of transition metals differ by the number of d-electrons.
  • For example, chromium (Cr) has an electron configuration of [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹.
  • Manganese (Mn) has an electron configuration of [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s².

Oxidation states

  • Transition elements commonly exhibit multiple oxidation states due to the availability of d-orbitals.
  • For example, Iron (Fe) can exhibit +2 and +3 oxidation states.
  • Copper (Cu) can exhibit +1 and +2 oxidation states.
  • The transition metals can form various complex ions due to their ability to donate or accept electrons.

Variable magnetic properties

  • Transition metals exhibit paramagnetic or diamagnetic behavior due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their d-orbitals.
  • Paramagnetic substances are attracted to a magnetic field, while diamagnetic substances are repelled.
  • Unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals contribute to the magnetic behavior.
  • For example, Fe²⁺ is paramagnetic, while Fe³⁺ is diamagnetic.

Formation of colored compounds

  • Transition metals form colored compounds due to d-d transitions.
  • Electrons absorb energy and move between d-orbitals within the same electron shell.
  • This absorption of light in the visible range results in the observation of colors.
  • For example, copper (II) sulfate CuSO₄ is blue in color.

Catalytic activity

  • Transition metals are excellent catalysts in various chemical reactions.
  • They provide surfaces that promote reaction rates without being consumed in the process.
  • Transition metal catalysts are widely used in industrial processes, such as the Haber process for ammonia synthesis.
  • They exhibit specific catalytic properties due to their electron configuration and ability to form coordination compounds.
  1. Properties of Lanthanoids
  • Lanthanoids have similar atomic sizes, similar to calcium.
  • They have high melting and boiling points.
  • Lanthanoids are malleable and ductile metals.
  • They exhibit paramagnetic behavior due to unpaired electrons.
  • Lanthanoids form stable complexes with ligands, showing their tendency to form coordination compounds.
  1. Uses of Lanthanoids
  • Lanthanoids are used in the production of superconductors, magnets, and electronic devices.
  • They are used as catalysts in various industrial processes.
  • Lanthanoids are used in the production of glass and ceramics.
  • They have applications in optical systems, like lasers and phosphors.
  • Lanthanoids find use in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment.
  1. Properties of Actinoids
  • Actinoids are radioactive elements.
  • They typically have high atomic numbers and exhibit metallic properties.
  • Actinoids have a high density compared to other elements.
  • They have high melting and boiling points.
  • Actinoids exhibit a wide range of oxidation states, including higher oxidation states.
  1. Uses of Actinoids
  • Actinoids have limited practical applications due to their radioactivity.
  • Some actinoids, like uranium and plutonium, are used in nuclear reactors and weaponry.
  • Actinoids play a significant role in scientific research and nuclear physics.
  • They are used as radiation sources in various industries, such as radiography and cancer treatment.
  • Actinoids have potential future applications in advanced technologies, such as nuclear fusion.
  1. Similarities within the d-Series
  • Transition metals exhibit similar chemical behavior due to the filling of d-orbitals.
  • They have high melting and boiling points compared to s-block and p-block elements.
  • Transition metals form colored compounds and exhibit variable oxidation states.
  • They act as good catalysts in many chemical reactions.
  • Transition metals have similar atomic radii and metallic properties.
  1. Differences within the d-Series
  • Transition metals have varying numbers of d-electrons, leading to differences in their electronic configurations.
  • They exhibit different oxidation states and stability of oxidation states.
  • The magnetic properties of transition metals depend on the arrangement of electrons in the d-orbitals.
  • The formation of colored compounds varies based on the energy difference between d-orbitals.
  • The catalytic activities of transition metals depend on their ability to form coordination complexes and interact with reactant molecules.
  1. Electron Configuration in Transition Metals
  • The d-block elements have electronic configurations that fill the d-orbitals.
  • The d-block elements start filling the 3d-orbitals, followed by the 4d-orbitals and 5d-orbitals.
  • The filling of the d-orbitals causes variations in properties, such as atomic radii and ionization energies.
  • Copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) exhibit exceptions to electronic configurations due to greater stability.
  1. Oxidation States of Transition Metals
  • Transition metals exhibit a range of oxidation states due to the availability of d-orbitals.
  • They commonly display multiple oxidation states from +1 to +7.
  • Variations in oxidation states are observed due to the ability to lose or gain electrons from partially filled d-orbitals.
  • The oxidation states of transition metals influence their chemical reactivity and ability to form complexes.
  • Transition metals with higher oxidation states tend to form more stable coordination complexes.
  1. Magnetic Properties of Transition Metals
  • Transition metals can be paramagnetic, diamagnetic, or ferromagnetic.
  • Paramagnetic substances are attracted to a magnetic field due to unpaired electrons.
  • Diamagnetic substances are repelled by a magnetic field due to paired electrons.
  • Ferromagnetic substances are strongly attracted to a magnetic field and can retain magnetism even after the field is removed.
  • Unpaired electrons in partially filled d-orbitals contribute to the paramagnetic behavior of transition metals.
  1. Formation of Colored Compounds in Transition Metals
  • Transition metals produce colored compounds due to the absorption of light.
  • The energy difference between d-orbitals falls in the visible light range, leading to the observation of colors.
  • The color of a complex depends on the nature of ligands and the oxidation state of the metal ion.
  • For example, the blue color of Cu²⁺ complexes is due to d-d transitions.
  • The intensity of color depends on the number of d-electrons available for d-d transitions. Sure! Here are slides 21 to 30 on the topic “Comparison of properties within the d-series”:

Comparison of properties within the d-series

  • Atomic radii generally decrease across the d-series.
  • Ionization energies generally increase across the d-series.
  • The highest ionization energy is found in the early d-block elements.
  • The melting and boiling points generally decrease across the d-series.
  • Transition metals have high electrical and thermal conductivity.

Comparison of properties within the d-series (continued)

  • Reaction rates of transition metal complexes are affected by their electronic configurations.
  • Transition metals tend to form colored compounds due to d-d transitions.
  • Complex formation and coordination numbers vary within the d-series.
  • Paramagnetic behavior is observed in transition metals due to unpaired electrons.
  • Oxidation states of transition metals vary within the d-series.

Example: Atomic radii

  • Atomic radii generally decrease across the d-series.
  • This is due to the increasing effective nuclear charge as electrons are added to the same principal energy level.
  • Example: The atomic radii of the 3d elements decrease from left to right in the periodic table.

Example: Melting and boiling points

  • The melting and boiling points generally decrease across the d-series.
  • This is due to the weakening of metallic bonds as the size of the metal atom decreases.
  • Example: The melting and boiling points of group 12 elements (Zn, Cd, and Hg) decrease as we move from Zn to Hg.

Example: Ionization energies

  • Ionization energies generally increase across the d-series.
  • This is due to the increasing effective nuclear charge and the decreasing atomic size.
  • Example: The ionization energy of chromium (Cr) is higher than that of manganese (Mn) due to the half-filled 3d subshell in Cr.

Example: Complex formation

  • Transition metals tend to form complexes due to their ability to accept ligands and form coordination compounds.
  • Example: [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺ is a complex ion where water molecules act as ligands coordinating with the central copper (Cu) ion.

Example: Coordination numbers

  • Coordination numbers vary within the d-series.
  • Coordination number refers to the number of ligands surrounding a central transition metal ion.
  • Example: [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ has a coordination number of 6, where six cyanide (CN⁻) ions coordinate with the central iron (Fe) ion.

Example: D-d transitions

  • Transition metals form colored compounds due to d-d transitions.
  • D-d transitions involve the excitation of electrons from one d-orbital to another within the same electron shell.
  • Example: The blue color of [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ complex is due to d-d transitions involving the iron (Fe) ion.

Example: Paramagnetic behavior

  • Transition metals show paramagnetic behavior due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their d-orbitals.
  • Paramagnetic substances are attracted to a magnetic field.
  • Example: The Mn²⁺ ion (3d⁵) is paramagnetic due to the presence of five unpaired electrons.

Example: Oxidation states

  • Oxidation states of transition metals vary within the d-series.
  • Different transition metals exhibit different oxidation states.
  • Example: Iron (Fe) commonly exhibits both +2 and +3 oxidation states, while chromium (Cr) can exhibit +2, +3, and +6 oxidation states. Hope these slides help with your lecture on the comparison of properties within the d-series!