Question

(i) Give any two properties that are typical to transition elements other than complex formation

(ii) Using Iron as example, give an illustration of each of the properties stated in (i) above

Answer 1

Properties of transition elements include:

• have large charge/radius ratio;
• are hard and have high densities;
• have high melting and boiling points;
• form compounds which are often paramagnetic;
• show variable oxidation states;
• form coloured ions and compounds;
• form compounds with profound catalytic activity;