Transition metals. INTRODUCTION

The transition metals lie between groups 2A and 3A of the periodic table. These elements are often called block elements because their electronic configuration ends with d orbitals. Transition metals are typical metals. Like other metals they are hard, dense and shiny. They are malleable and ductile. They are also good conductors of heat and electricity. However they have some differences from group 1A and 2A metals. Transition metals are less reactive than group 1A and 2A elements. They mosty form colored compounds whereas most compounds of group 1A and 2A metals are white. Melting and boiling points of transition metals are higher than those of group 1A and 2A metals. Oxidation states of group 1A and 2A metals are constant, +1 and +2 respectively. On the other hand, transition metals have more than one oxidation state. For example, chromium can take any charge from +1 to +6. Now, let's study some of the transition metals in detail

Iron was used in Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. Pure iron is a silvery white colored, lustrous, soft metal with important magnetic properties. It is malleable and ductile. The pure metal is very reactive chemically, and rapidly corrodes, especially in moist air or at high temperatures.Its density is 7.87 g/cm3, melting point is 1538°C and boiling point is 2861°C.