So far in your study of chemistry, attention has been focused more on the representative elements, which are Groups 1-8A on the left and right side of the periodic table (where the s and p orbitals are being filled). In this topic, we are going to look at the transition metals.
The transition metals are the elements in the d block of the periodic table. There are also two subgroups called inner transition elements where the f orbitals are being filled — the lanthanides and the actinides. We will focus on the d-block elements. The column chemical behavior is less strong in transition metals than in Groups 1-8A. For example, as you have learned earlier in your study of chemistry, many transition metals form ions with more than one oxidation state.
An important group of compounds involving transition metals is known as metal complexes or coordination compounds. We will take a close look at those in this unit. Transition metals and their compounds also exhibit interesting magnetic properties and vibrant colors – we will look at reasons for these properties as well.
