IB Chemistry Topic S3.1.9 Oxidations States of Transition Elements Revision Notes (HL)

IB Chemistry Topic S3.1.9 Oxidations States of Transition Elements Revision Notes (HL) | RevisionDojo

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Why Transition Elements Show Multiple Oxidation States

To see why transition elements form ions of several charges, start with their electron configurations.
Transition elements are d-block elements, so their defining electrons occupy the 3d sublevel.
The 4s orbital fills before the 3d, but is also central to how these elements ionize.

Electron Configuration of Transition Elements

$$[\text{Noble gas}]\,4s^2\,3d^{1-10}$$

Example

Scandium (Sc): $[Ar]\,4s^2\,3d^1$
Iron (Fe): $[Ar]\,4s^2\,3d^6$
Copper (Cu): $[Ar]\,4s^1\,3d^{10}$

Removing Electrons: 4s Before 3d

Although the 4s fills before the 3d, the 4s electrons are removed first when the atom ionizes.
Losing both 4s electrons gives the +2 ion, which is common across the first-row transition elements.

Note

The 4s and 3d orbitals are very close in energy.
Electrons can be removed from either with little energy difference, which is what enables several oxidation states.

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Why Transition Elements Show Multiple Oxidation States

To see why transition elements form ions of several charges, start with their electron configurations.
Transition elements are d-block elements, so their defining electrons occupy the 3d sublevel.
The 4s orbital fills before the 3d, but is also central to how these elements ionize.

Electron Configuration of Transition Elements

$$[\text{Noble gas}]\,4s^2\,3d^{1-10}$$

Example

Scandium (Sc): $[Ar]\,4s^2\,3d^1$
Iron (Fe): $[Ar]\,4s^2\,3d^6$
Copper (Cu): $[Ar]\,4s^1\,3d^{10}$

Removing Electrons: 4s Before 3d

Although the 4s fills before the 3d, the 4s electrons are removed first when the atom ionizes.
Losing both 4s electrons gives the +2 ion, which is common across the first-row transition elements.

Note

The 4s and 3d orbitals are very close in energy.
Electrons can be removed from either with little energy difference, which is what enables several oxidation states.

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Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter5 subtopics

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure4 subtopics

Structure 3. Classification of matter2 subtopics

Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?4 subtopics

Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?3 subtopics

Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?4 subtopics

IB Chemistry S3.1.9 Oxidations States of Transition Elements Notes

Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter5 subtopics

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure4 subtopics

Structure 3. Classification of matter2 subtopics

Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?4 subtopics

Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?3 subtopics

Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?4 subtopics

Why Transition Elements Show Multiple Oxidation States

Electron Configuration of Transition Elements

Removing Electrons: 4s Before 3d

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

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Why Transition Elements Show Multiple Oxidation States

Electron Configuration of Transition Elements

Removing Electrons: 4s Before 3d

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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