D Block

d-Block Elements
Contents
Topic Page No.
Theory 01 - 15
Exercise - 1 16 - 25
Answer Key 41 - 47
Syllabus
d-Block Elements
Transition elements (3d series): Definition, general characteristics, oxidation states and
their stabilities, colour (excluding the details of electronic transitions) and calculation
of spin-only magnetic moment; Preparation and properties of the following compounds:
Oxides and chlorides of tin and lead. Oxides, chlorides and sulphates of Fe 2+ ,
Cu2+ and Zn2+; Potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate, silver oxide, silver nitrate,
silver thiosulphate
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TRANSITION ELEMENTS (d-BLOCK ELEMENTS) & THEIR COMPOUNDS
INTRODUCTION :
(i) The elements lying between s- & p - block element of the periodic table are collectively known as transition
or transitional elements.
(ii) Their properties are transitional between the highly electropositive s- block element to least electropositive
p - block elements.
(iii) In d-block elements, the last differentiating electron is accommodated to the penultimate shell, expanding it
from 8 to 18 electrons.
(iv) The general electronic configuration of transition element is (n–1) d1–10 ns0, 1 or 2
(v) These elements either in their atomic state or in any of their common oxidation state have partly filled ( n– 1)
d- orbitals of ( n– 1) th main shell.
(vi) The configuration clearly show that strictly, according to the definition of d- block elements, Cu, Ag & Au
should be excluded from d- block element.Since these elements, both in their atomic state [With configuration
( n– 1) d10 ns1] & in their +1 oxidation state [ with configuration ( n– 1) d10], do not have partly filled ( n–1)
d- orbitals.
(vii) Similarly Zn, Cd & Hg which both in their atomic state [ ( n– 1) d10 ns2] & in + 2 oxidation state
[ (n– 1) d10 ] do not contain partly filled ( n– 1) d orbitals should be excluded from d- block elements..
(viii) Yet, in order to maintain a rational classification of the elements; these elements (viz. Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd &
Hg) are also generally studied with d- block elements.
(ix) There are four complete rows ( called series) of ten elements each corresponding to the filling of 3d, 4d, 5d
& 6d orbitals respectively.
(x) The irregularities in the observed configuration of Cr (3d5 4s1 instead of 3d4 4s2), Cu (3d104s1), Mo ( 4d5
4s1),Pd ([Kr] 4d10 5s0) , Au( [Xe] 4f14 5d10 4s1), Ag ( [Kr] 4d10 5s1)] are explained on the basis of the
concept that half- filled and completely filled d- orbitals are relatively more stable than other d- orbitals.
There are greater horizontal similarities in the properties of the transition elements. However, some group
similarities also exist.
GENERAL TRENDS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF TRANSITION ELEMENTS.
Size of atoms and ions :
The atomic radii of the transition metals lie in-between those of s- and p-block elements. The covalent radii
of the elements decreases from left to right across a row in the transition series, until near the end when the
size increases slightly. The decrease in size is small after mid way. In the beginning, the atomic radius
decreases with the increase in nuclear charge (as atomic number increases), where as the shielding effect
of d-electrons is small. After mid way as the electrons enters the last but one shell, the added d-electron
shields the outer most electrons. Hence with the increase in the d-electrons screening effect increases. This
counter balances the increased nuclear charge. As a result, the atomic radii remain practically same after
chromium.
Near the end of the series, the increased electron repulsions between the added electrons in the same
orbitals are greater than the attractive forces. This results in the expansion of the electron cloud and thus
atomic radius increases.
The atomic radii, in general, increase down the group. The atomic
radii of second series are larger than those of first transition series.
In the atoms of the second transition series, the number of shells
are more than those of the Ist transition series. As a result, the
atoms of IInd transition series are larger than those of the elements
of the first transition series. But the atomic radii of the second and
third transition
series are almost the same.
This phenomenon is associated with the intervention of the 4f orbitals

which must be filled before the 5d series of elements begin. The
filling of 4f before 5d orbital results in a regular decrease in atomic
radii called.

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Lanthanoid contraction which essentially compensates for the expected increase in atomic size with
increasing atomic number. The net result of the lanthanoid contraction is that the second and the third d-
series exhibit similar radii (e.g., Zr 160 pm, Hf 159 pm) and have very similar physical and chemical properties
much more than that expected on the basis of usual family relationship.
The trend followed by the ionic radii is same as that followed by atomic radii. The ionic radii of transition
metals are different in different oxidation states.
Density :
The atomic volumes of the transition elements are low compared with the elements of group 1 and 2. This is
because the increased nuclear charge is poorly screened and so attracts all the electrons more strongly. In
addition, the extra electrons added occupy inner orbitals. Consequently the densities of the transition metals
are high. The densities of the second row are high and third row values are even higher. Elements with the
highest densities are osmium 22.57 g cm–3 and irridium 22.61 g cm–3.
Across a period from left to right atomic volumes decrease and atomic masses increase. Hence the densities
also increase across a period.
The last element zinc is an exception, having large atomic volume and hence lower density.
Ionisation energies or Ionisation enthalpies :
The first ionisation energies of d-block elements are intermediate between those of the s- and p-blocks. This
suggests that the transition elements are less electropositive than groups 1 and 2 and may form either ionic
or
covalent bonds depending on the conditions. Generally, the lower valent states are ionic and the higher valent
states are covalent. Across a period from left to right ionisation energies gradually increase with increase in
atomic number. This is because the nuclear charge increases and the atomic size decreases with increase
in
atomic number along the period. Consequently making the removal of outer electron difficult.
In a given series, the difference in the ionisation energies between any two successive d-block elements is
very
much less than the difference in case of successive s-block or p-block elements. The effect of increased
nuclear
charge and screening effect of the added d-electrons tend to oppose each other. Hence due to these two
counter
effects, the difference in the ionisation energies of two successive transition elements is very small on
moving
across a period.
The first ionisation energy of Zn, Cd, and Hg are very high because of their fully filled (n–1) d10 ns2 configuration.
IInd and IIIrd ionisation energies also increase along a period.
IInd ionisation energy of Cr > Mn and Cu > Zn
This is because after the removal of Ist electron Cr and Cu acquire stable configurations (d5 & d10) and the
removal of IInd electron thus become very difficult.
Similarly the E2 of 23V < 24Cr > 25Mn and 28Ni < 29Cu > 30Zn
The third ionization energy of Mn is very high because the third electron has to be removed from the
stable half-filled 3d orbital.
The first ionisation energies of the 5d elements are higher as compared to those of 3d and 4d elements. This
is
because the weak shielding of nucleus by 4f electrons in 5d elements results in higher effective nuclear
charge
acting on the outer valence electrons.
The magnitude of ionization enthalpy gives the amount of energy required to remove electrons to form a
particular oxidation state of the metal in a compound. Thus, the value of ionisation enthalpies gives information
regarding the thermodynamic stability of the transition metal compounds in different oxidation states. Smaller
the ionisation enthalpy of the metal, the stable is its compound. For example, the first four ionisation enthalpies
of nickel and platinum are given below :
Ionisation
Ni Pt
enthalpies
IE1 + IE2 2.49 × 103 kJ mol–1 2.66 × 103 kJ mol–1
3 3
IE3 + IE4 8.80 × 10 kJ mol
–1
6.70 × 10 kJ mol
–1
3 3
Total 11.29 × 10 kJ mol
–1
9.36 × 10 kJ mol
–1

It is clear form the above table that the sum of first two ionization enthalpies is less for nickel than for
platinum.
Ni  Ni2+ + 2e– I.E. = 2.49 × 103 kJ mol–1
Pt  Pt2+ + 2e– I.E. = 2.66 × 103 kJ mol–1
2+
Therefore, ionization of nickel to Ni is energetically favourable as compared to that of platinum. Thus, the
nickel (II) compounds are thermodynamically more stable than platinum (II) compounds. On the other hand,
the sum of first four ionisation enthalpies is less for platinum than for nickel as :
Ni  Ni4+ + 2e– I.E. = 11.29 × 103 kJ mol–1
4+
Pt  Pt + 2e – I.E. = 9.36 × 103 kJ mol–1
Thus, the platinum (IV) compounds are relatively more stable than nickel (IV) compounds. Therefore, K2PtCl6
[having Pt (IV)] is a well-known compound whereas the corresponding nickel compound is not known.
However, in solutions the stability of the compounds depends upon electrode potentials.
Metallic character :
In d-block elements the last but one (i.e. the penultimate) shell of electrons is expanding. Thus they have
many physical and chemical properties in common.
Hence nearly all the transition elements display typical metallic properties such as high tensile strength,
ductility, malleability, high thermal and electrical conductivity and metallic lustre. With the exceptions of
Zn,Cd, Hg and Mn, they have one or more typical metallic structures at normal temperatures.
The transition elements (with the exception of copper) are very much hard and have low volatility.
They have high enthalpies of atomisation which are shown in figure given below. The maxima at about the
middle of each series indicate that one unpaired electron per d orbital is particularly favourable of strong
interatomic interaction. In general, greater the number of valence electrons, stronger is the resultant bonding.
Cr, Mo and W have maximum number of unpaired electrons and therefore, these are very hard metals and
have maximum enthalpies of atomization.
Hence the metals with very high enthalpy of atomisation (i.e., very high boiling point) tend to be noble in their
reactions.
The metals of the second, 4d and third, 5d series have greater enthalpies of atomisation than the corresponding
elements of the first series, 3d and this is an important factor indicating for the occurrence of much more
frequent metal-metal bonding in compounds of the heavy transition metals.
Graph showing Trends in enthalpies of atomisation of transition elements

Melting and boiling points :
The melting and boiling points of the transition series elements are generally very high. The melting points of
the transition elements rise to a maximum and then fall as the atomic number increases. Manganese and
technetium have abnormally low melting points. Strong metallic bonds between the atoms of these elements
attribute to their high melting and boiling points. In a particular series, the metallic strength increases upto
the middle with increasing number of unpaired electrons i.e up to d5. After chromium, the number of unpaired
electrons goes on decreasing. Accordingly, the melting points decrease after middle (Cr) because of increasing
pairing of electrons.
The dip in melting points of Mn and Tc can be attributed to their stable electronic configurations (half filled 3d5
and fully filled 4s2 ). Due to this stable electronic configuration, the delocalisation of electrons may be less
and thus the metallic bond is much weaker than preceding elements.
Oxidation states :
The transition metals exhibit a large number of oxidation states. With the exception of a few elements, most
of these show variable oxidation states. These different oxidation states are related to the electronic
configuration of their atoms.
The existence of the transition elements in different oxidation states means that their atoms can lose different
number of electrons. This is due to the participation of inner (n – 1) d-electrons in addition to outer ns-
electrons because, the energies of the ns and (n – 1) d-sub-shells are nearly same. For example, scandium
has the outer electronic configuration 3d14s2. It exhibits an oxidation state of +2 when it uses both of its
4s-electrons for bonding but it can also show oxidation state of +3 when it uses its two s-electrons and one
d-electron. Similarly, the other atoms can show oxidation states equal to ns-and (n – 1) d-electrons.
Different oxidation states of first transition series.
Outer
Element electronic Oxidation states
configuration
Sc 3d14s2 +3
Ti 3d24s2 +2, +3, +4
3 2
V 3d 4s +2, +3, +4, +5
5 1
Cr 3d 4s +2, +3, (+4), (+5), +6
Mn 3d54s2 +2, +3, +4, (+5), +6, +7
6 2
Fe 3d 4s +2, +3, (+4), (+5), (+6)
7 2
Co 3d 4s +2, +3, (+4)
Ni 3d84s2 +2, +3, +4
10 1
Cu 3d 4s +1, +2
10 2
Zn 3d 4s +2
Oxidation states given in parenthesis are unstable.

It may be noted that the stability of a given oxidation state depends upon the nature of the elements with
which the metal is combined. The highest oxidation states are found in compounds of fluorides and oxides
because fluorine and oxygen are most electronegative elements.
The examination of the common oxidation states exhibited by different transition metals reveals the following
facts :
(i) The variable oxidation states of transition metals are due to participation of inner (n – 1)d and outer ns-
electrons. The lowest oxidation state corresponds to the number of ns-electrons. For example, in the first
transition series, the lowest oxidation states of Cr (3d54s1) and Cu(3d104s1) are +1 while for others, it is +2
(3d1 – 104s2).
(ii) Except scandium, the most common oxidation state of the first row transition elements is +2 which arises
due to loss of two 4s-electrons. This means that after scandium 3d-orbitals become more stable and,
therefore, are lower in energy than the 4s-orbitals. As a result, electrons are first removed from 4s-orbitals.

(iii) The elements which show the greater number of oxidation states occur in or near the middle of the series. For
example, in the first transition series, manganese exhibits all the oxidation states from +2 to +7. The lesser
number of oxidation states in the beginning of series can be due to the presence of smaller number of electrons
to lose or share (Sc, Ti). On the other hand, at the extreme right hand side end (Cu, Zn), lesser number of
oxidation state is due to large number of d electrons so that only a fewer orbitals are available in which the
electron can share with other for higher valence. The highest oxidation state shown by any transition metal is
+8.
(iv) In the +2 and +3 oxidation states, the bonds formed are mostly ionic. In the compounds of higher oxidation
states (generally formed with oxygen and fluorine), the bonds are essentially covalent. Thus, the bonds in
+2 and +3 oxidation states are generally formed by the loss of two or three electrons respectively while the
bonds in higher oxidation states are formed by sharing of d-electrons. For example, in MnO4– (Mn in +7
state) all the bonds are covalent.
(v) Within a group, the maximum oxidation state increase with atomic number. For example, iron (group 8)
shows common oxidation states of +2 and +3 but ruthenium and osmium in the same group form compounds
in the +4, +6 and +8 oxidation states.
(vi) Transition metals also form compounds in low oxidation states such as +1 and 0 or negative. The common
examples are [Ni(CO)4], [Fe(CO)5] in which nickel and iron are in zero oxidation state.
(vii) The variability of oxidation states in transition elements arises because of incomplete filling of the d-orbitals
in such a way that their oxidation states differ by unity such as VII, VIII, VIV and VV. This behaviour is in
contrast with the variability of oxidation states of non-transition elements (p-block elements), where oxidation
states normally differ by a unit of two such as Sn2+, Sn4+, In+, In3+, etc.
(viii) Unlike p-block elements where the lower oxidation states are favoured by heavier members (due to inert pair
effect), the higher oxidation states are more stable in heavier transition elements. For example, in group 6,
Mo (VI) and W (VI) are found to be more stable than Cr (VI). Therefore, Cr (VI) in the form of dichromate in
acidic medium is a strong oxidising agent whereas MoO3 and WO3 are not.
Oxidation states in Oxides and Oxoions :
The ability of oxygen to stabilize the highest oxidation state is demonstrated in their oxides. The highest
oxidation states in their oxides concides with the group number. For example, the highest oxidation state of
scandium of group 3 is +3 in its oxides, Sc2O3 whereas the highest oxidation state of manganese of group
7 is +7, in Mn2O7. However beyond group 7, no higher oxides of iron above Fe2O3 are known. Although
higher oxidation state such as +6 is shown in ferrates such as FeO42– in alkaline medium, but they readily
decompose to Fe2O3 and O2. Besides the oxides, oxocation of the metals also stabilise higher oxidation
states. For example, VV as VO2+, VIV as VO2+ and TiIV as TiO2+. It may be noted that the ability of oxygen
to stabilise these high oxidation states exceeds that of fluorine. For example, manganese forms highest
fluoride as MnF4 whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7. This is due to the fact that oxygen has great ability to
form multiple bonds to metals. In the covalent oxide. Mn2O7, each Mn is tetrahedrally surrounded by oxygen
atoms and has Mn–O–Mn bridge. The tetrahedral [MO4]n– ions are also known for vanadium (V), chromium
(VI), manganese (VI) and manganese (VII).
The transition elements in the +2 and +3 oxidation states mostly form ionic bonds whereas with higher
oxidation states, the bonds are essentially covalent e.g., in MnO4– all bonds are covalent. As the oxidation
number of a metal increases, the ionic character of their oxides decrease. For example, in case of Mn,
Mn2O7 is a covalent green oil. In these higher oxides the acidic character is predominant. Thus CrO3 gives
H2CrO4 and H2Cr2O7 and Mn2O7 gives HMnO4. V2O5 is, however amphoteric though mainly acidic and with
alkalies as well as acids gives VO43– and VO2+ respectively.
Electrode potentials :
In addition to ionisation enthalpy, the other factors such as enthalpy of sublimation, hydration enthalpy,
ionisation enthalpy etc. determine the stability of a particular oxidation state in solution. This can be explained
in terms of their electrode potential values. The oxidation potential of a metal involves the following process:
M(s)  M+(aq) + e–
This process actually takes place in the following three steps as given in following flowchart :

(i) In the first step, the atoms get isolated from one another and become independent in the gaseous state. This
converts solid metal to the gaseous state. The energy needed for this step is known as enthalpy of sublimation.
M(s)  M+(g) Enthalpy of sublimation, subH
(ii) In the second step, the outer electron is removed from the isolated atom. The energy required for this change
is ionisation enthalpy.
M(s)  M+(g) + e– Ionisation enthalpy, IE
(iii) In the third step the gaseous ion gets hydrated. In this process, energy known as hydration enthalpy, is
liberated.
M+(g) + nH2O  M+(aq) Enthalpy of hydration, hydH
The oxidation potential which gives the tendency of the overall change to occur, depends upon the net effect
of these three steps. The overall energy change is
H = subH + IE + hydH
Thus, H gives the enthalpy change required to bring the solid metal, M to the monovalent ion in aqueous
medium, M+ (aq). An exactly similar cycle may be constructed for the formation of an anion in solution
except that the ionization enthalpy may be replaced by electron gain enthalpy when the gaseous atom goes
to gaseous anion. H helps to predict the stability of a particular oxidation state. The smaller the values of
total energy change for a particular oxidation state in aqueous solution, greater will be the stability of that
oxidation state. The electrode potentials are a measure of total energy change. Qualitative, the stability of
the transition metal ions in different oxidation states can be determined on the basis of electrode potential
data. The lower the electrode potential i.e., more negative the standard reduction potential of the electrode,
the more stable is the oxidation state of the transition metal in the aqueous solution.
The electrode potentials of different metals can also be measured by forming the cell with standard hydrogen
electrode. For the measurement of electrode potential of M2+ | 1M, the e.m.f. of the cell in which the following
reaction occurs is measured :
2H+(aq) + M(s) M2+ (aq) + H2(g)
Knowing the potential of 2H+(aq) | H2(g), it is possible to determine the potential of M2+ (aq) | M.
Trends in the M3+ | M2+ Standard Electrode Potentials
Except copper and zinc, all other elements of first transition series show +3 oxidation states also to form
M3+ ions in aqueous solutions. The standard reduction potentials for M3+ | M2+ redox couple are given below:
Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co
E (M3+(aq) | M2+(aq)
–0.37 –0.26 –0.41 +1.57 +0.77 +1.97
(in Volt)
These values reveal the following facts :

(i) The low value of scandium reflects the stability of Sc3+ which has a noble gas configuration.
(ii) The comparatively high value for Mn shows that Mn2+ (d5 configuration) is particularly stable. On the other
hand comparatively low value for Fe shows the extra stability of Fe3+ (d5 configuration).
(iii) The comparatively low value of V is related to the stability of V2+ (due to half filled t2g3 energy level of 3d
orbitals in octahedral crystal field spitting).
(iv) The E value for Mn3+ /Mn2+ couple much more positive than for Cr3+/Cr2+ or Fe3+ /Fe2+. This is because of
the much larger IIIrd ionisation energy of Mn (removal of electron from d5 configuration).
Formation of Coloured Ions :
Most of the compounds of transition metals are coloured in the solid form or solution form. The colour of the
compounds of transition metals may be attributed to the presence of incomplete (n – 1) d-sub-shell. In the
case of compounds of transition metals, the energies of the five d-orbitals in the same sub-shell do not
remain equal. Under the influence of approaching ions towards the central metal ion, the d-orbitals of the
central metal split into different energy levels. This phenomenon is called crystal field splitting. For example,
when the six ions or molecules approach the metal ion (called octahedral field), the five d-orbitals split up into
two sets : one set consisting of two d-orbitals ( d x 2  y 2 , dz 2 ) of higher energies and the other set consisting of
three d-orbitals (dxy, dyz, dzx) of lower energies.
In the case of the transition metal ions, the electron can be easily promoted from one energy level to another
in the same d-sub-shell. These are called d-d transitions. The amount of energy required to excite some of
the electrons to higher energy states within the same d-sub-shell corresponds to energy of certain colours of
visible light. Therefore, when white light falls on a transition metal compound, some of its energy corresponding
to a certain colour, is absorbed and the electron gets raised from lower energy set of orbitals to higher energy
set of orbitals as shown below :
showing electronic transition from t2g to eg orbitals.

The excess of other colours constituting white light are transmitted and the compound appears coloured. The
observed colour of a substance is always complementary colour of the colour which is absorbed by the substance.
For example, Ti3+ compounds contain one electron in d-sub-shell (d1). It absorbs green and yellow portions
from the white light and blue and red portions are emitted. Therefore, Ti3+ ions appear purple. Similarly, hydrated
cupric compounds absorb radiations corresponding to red light and the transmitted colour is greenish blue
(which is complementary colour to red colour). Thus, cupric compounds have greenish-blue colour.
Colour of different hydrated transition metal ions.
Ion Outer Configuration Colour of the ion
0
Sc (III), Ti (IV) 3d Colourless
1
Ti (III) 3d Purple
1
V (IV) 3d Blue
2
V (III) 3d Green
3
Cr (III) 3d Green
4
Mn (III) 3d Violet
4
Cr (II) 3d Blue
5
Mn (II) 3d Pink
5
Fe (III) 3d Yellow
6
Fe (II) 3d Green
6
Co (III) 3d Blue
7
Co (II) 3d Pink
8
Ni (II) 3d Green
9
Cu (II) 3d Blue
10
Cu (I) 3d Colourless
10
Zn (II) 3d Colourless
Magnetic Properties
It is interesting to note that when the various substances are placed in a magnetic field, they do not behave
in a similar way i.e., they show different behaviour which are known as magnetic behaviour.
These are classified as :
(i) Paramagnetic substances. The substances which are attracted by magnetic field are called paramagnetic
substances and this character arises due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the atomic orbitals.
(ii) Diamagnetic substances. The substances which are repelled by magnetic field are called diamagnetic
substances and this character arises due to the presence of paired electrons in the atomic orbitals.
Most of the compounds of transition elements are paramagnetic in nature and are attracted by the magnetic field.
The transition elements involve the partial filling of d-sub-shells. Most of the transition metal ions or their
compounds have unpaired electrons in d-sub-shell (from configuration d1 to d9) and therefore, they give rise
to paramagnetic character. The magnetic character is expressed in terms of magnetic moment. The larger
the number of unpaired electrons in a substance, the greater is the paramagnetic character and larger is the
magnetic moment. The magnetic moment is expressed in Bohr magnetons abbreviated as B.M.

Calculated and observed magnetic moment of ions of first transition series.
Magnetic moment
Ion Outer Configuration Number of unpaired electrons (B.M.)
Calculated observed
3+ 0
Sc 3d 0 0 0
3+ 1
Ti 3d 1 1.73 1.75
2+ 2
Ti 3d 2 2.84 2.76
2+ 3
V 3d 3 3.87 3.86
2+ 4
Cr 3d 4 4.90 4.80
2+ 5
Mn 3d 5 5.92 5.96
2+ 6
Fe 3d 4 4.90 5.3 - 5.5
2+ 7
Co 3d 3 3.87 4.4 - 5.2
2+ 8
Ni 3d 2 2.84 2.9 - 3.4
2+ 9
Cu 3d 1 1.73 1.8 - 2.2
2+ 10
Zn 3d 0 0 0
The experimental data are mainly for hydrated ions in solution or in the solid state.
Formation of complexes :
In contrast to representative elements, the transition elements form a large number of coordination complexes.
The transition metal ions bind to a number of anions or neutral molecules in these complexes. The common
examples are [Ni(NH3)6]2+, [Co(NH3)6]3+, [Fe(CN)6]3–, [Fe(CN)6]4–, [Cu(NH3)4]2+, etc.
The great tendency of transition metal ions to form complexes is due to :
(i) small size of the atoms and ions, (ii) high nuclear charge and (iii) availability of vacant d-orbitals of suitable
energy to accept lone pairs of electrons donated by ligands.
Formation of Interstitial Compounds :
Transition metals form interstitial compounds with elements such as hydrogen, boron, carbon and nitrogen.
The small atoms of these non-metallic elements (H, B, C, N, etc.) get trapped in vacant spaces of the
lattices of the transition metal atoms.
They are generally non-stoichiometric and are neither typically ionic nor covalent. The common examples of
interstitial compounds of transition metals are TiC, Mn4N, Fe3H, TiH2 etc. It may be noted that these formula
do not correspond to any normal oxidation state of the metal. Generally, the nonstoichiometric materials are
obtained having the composition as TiH1.7, VH0.56, etc. Because of the nature of their composition, these
compounds are referred to as interstitial compounds.
As a result of the filling up of the interstitial spaces, the transition metals become rigid and hard. These
interstitial compounds have similar chemical properties as the parent metals but differ significantly in their
physical properties particularly, density, hardness and conductivity. For example, steel and cast iron are
hard because they form interstitial compounds with carbon.
The transition metals can easily accommodate the small non-metallic atoms because of void sites between
the packed atoms of the crystalline metal. These spaces are present because of defects in their structures
and existence of variable oxidation states.
The general characteristic physical and chemical properties of these compounds are :
(i) They have high melting points which are higher than those of pure metals.
(ii) They retain metallic conductivity i.e. of pure metals.
(iii) They are very hard and some borides have hardness as that of diamond.
(iv) They are chemically inert.
Catalytic properties
Many transition metals and their compounds act as good catalysts for various reactions. Of these, the use
of Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn, Pt, etc. are very common.

The catalytic property of transition metals is due to their tendency to form reaction intermediates with
suitable reactants. These intermediates give reaction paths of lower activation energy and, therefore increase
the rate of the reaction.
These reaction intermediates readily decompose yielding the products and regenerating the original substance.
The transition metals form these reaction intermediates due to the presence of vacant orbitals or their
tendency to form variable oxidation states.
(i) In some cases, the transition metal catalysts provide a suitable large surface area for the adsorption of the
reactant. This increases the concentration of the reactants at the catalyst surface and also weakens the
bonds in the reactant molecules. Consequently, the activation energy gets lowered.
For example, during the conversion of SO2 to SO3, V2O5 is used as a catalyst. Solid V2O5 adsorbs a
molecule of SO2 on the surface to form V2O4 and the oxygen is given to SO2 to form SO3. The divanadium
tetroxide is then converted to V2O5 by reaction with oxygen :
V2O5 + SO2 (catalyst)  SO3 + V2O4 (divanadium tetroxide)
2V2O4 + O2  2V2O5
(ii) In some cases, the transition metal ions can change their oxidation states and become more effective as
catalysts. For example, cobalt salts catalyse decomposition of bleaching powder as cobalt can easily
change oxidation state from +2 to +3 as :
Co2+ + OCl– + H2O  Co3+ + Cl– + 2OH–
2Co3+ + 2OH–  2Co2+ + H2O + ½O2
Iron (III) also catalyses the reaction between iodide and persulphate ions (S2O82–).
Alloy Formation :
Alloys are homogeneous solid solutions in which the atoms of one metal are distributed randomly among the
atoms of the other metal. The alloys are generally formed by those atoms which have metallic radii within
about 15% of each other. Transition metals form a large number of alloys. The transition metals are quite
similar in size and, therefore, the atoms of one metal can substitute the atoms of other metal in its crystal
lattice. Thus, on cooling a mixture solution of two or more transition metals, solid alloys are formed. Such
alloys are hard, have high melting points and are more resistant to corrosion than parent metals.
For example, the most common known alloys are ferrous alloys. Chromium, manganese, vanadium, tungsten,
molybdenum etc. are used to produce variety of steels and stainless steel. Alloys of transition metals with
non-transition metals such as bronze (copper-tin), brass (copper-zinc) are also industrially important alloys.
PREPARATIONS AND PROPERTIES OF SOME IMPORTANT d-BLOCK METAL COMPOUNDS
[A] COMPOUNDS OF IRON :
Ferrous Sulphate, FeSO4.7H2O (Green vitriol)
It is commonly known as harakasis
Preparation
(i) By iron scrap :
Fe + H2SO4  FeSO4 + H2
(ii) From Kipp's waste :
3FeS2 + 2H2O + 11O2  FeSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2SO4
Fe2(SO4)3 + Fe  3FeSO4
Properties
(a) Physical : Hydrated ferrous sulphate is a green crystalline compound, effloresces on exposure to air.
Anhydrous FeSO4 is colourless.
(b) Chemical :
(i) On exposure to atmosphere, it turns brownish-yellow due to the formation of basic ferric sulphate.
4FeSO4 + 2H2O + O2  4Fe(OH) . SO4 (basic ferric sulphate)
(ii) Aqueous solution is acidic due to hydrolysis.
Fe2+ + 2H2O Fe(OH)2 + 2H+
140 C High
(iii) FeSO4 . 7H2O    FeSO4. H2O 300
 ºC
 2FeSO4   Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3
Temp.
(iv) It acts as reducing agent.

AuCl3 + 3FeSO4  Au + Fe2(SO4)3 + FeCl3
6HgCl2 + 6FeSO4  3Hg2Cl2 + 2Fe2(SO4)3 + 2FeCl3

Ferric Oxide, Fe2O3 :
Preparation :

(i) 2Fe(OH)3  Fe2O3 + 3H2O

(ii) 2FeSO4 
 Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3
Properties :
(a) Physical : It is a deep red powder and is insoluble in water.
(b) Chemical :
(i) 6Fe2O3 1300
 ºC
 4Fe3O4 + O2
(ii) Fe2O3 + 3H2  2Fe + 3H2O

Uses : It is used as (i) a red pigment, (ii) an abrasive polishing powder and (iii) a catalyst.
Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 :

Preparation :
(a) Anhydrous FeCl3 :

(i) 2Fe + 3Cl2(dry)  2FeCl3
(iii) FeCl3 . 6H2O + 6SOCl2  FeCl3 + 12HCl + 6SO2
OCH3
|
(iv) FeCl3.6H2O + 6CH3 — C — CH3  FeCl3 + 12CH3OH + 6CH3COCH3
|
OCH3
(b) Hydrated FeCl3 :

(i) Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl  FeCl3 + 3H2O
(ii) 2Fe + 4HCl + Cl2  2FeCl3 + 2H2 
All solutions of FeCl3 obtained in above chemical reactions on crystallisation gives hydrated
FeCl3.6H2O.
Properties
(a) Physical :
Anhydrous ferric chloride is dark black solid while hydrated salt, FeCl3 . 6H2O is yellowish-brown deliquescent
crystalline solid. Both are soluble in water as well as in ether forming solvated species,
[Fe(H2O)4Cl2]Cl . 2H2O and O  FeCl3 respectively..
It is sublimed at 300°C giving a dimeric gas, .
(b) Chemical :
(i) Action of heat :

(a) 2FeCl3 (anhydrous)  2FeCl2 + Cl2

(b) 2[FeCl3. 6H2O]  Fe2O3 + 6HCl + 9H2O
(ii) As oxidising agent : 2FeCl3 + SnCl2  2FeCl2 + SnCl4
2FeCl3 + H2S  2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S
[B] COMPOUNDS OF ZINC :
Zinc oxide, ZnO (Chinese white or philosopher's wool)
It is found in nature as zincite or red zinc ore.
 Preparation :
 
(i) ZnCO3  ZnO + CO2 ; (ii) 2Zn(NO3)2  2ZnO + 4NO2 + O2
Properties
(a) Physical :
It is a white powder which becomes yellow on heating due to change in the structure of lattice but
again turns white on cooling. it is insoluble in water and sublimes at 400°C.

(b) Chemical :
(i) It is amphoteric in nature.
ZnO + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2O
ZnO + 2NaOH  Na2ZnO2 + H2O

(ii) ZnO + H2   Zn + H2O
400 º C
[C] COMPOUNDS OF COPPER

Copper Sulphate, CuSO4 . 5H2O (Blue Vitriol)
It is also called 'Nilathotha'.
Preparation :
(i) CuO + H2SO4  CuSO4 + H2O
(ii) Cu(OH)2 + H2SO4  CuSO4 + 2H2O
Properties
(a) Physical : It is a blue crystalline compound and is soluble in water.
(b) Chemical :
(i) 2CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O + 2KI  CuI2 + 2H2SO4 + K2SO4

2CuSO4 + 2FeSO4 + 2KI  CuI+ Fe2(SO4)3 + K2SO4
(ii) CuSO4 + Fe  Cu + FeSO4
CuSO4 + Zn  Cu + ZnSO4
100 º C
(iii) CuSO4.5H2O air CuSO4.4H2O   250 º C
 CuSO4 . H2O  750 º C
 CuSO4   CuO + SO2 +
effloresce s
O2
[D] COMPOUNDS OF SILVER :
Silver Nitrate, AgNO3 (Lunar caustic) :
Preparation :
It is prepared by heating silver with dilute nitric acid. The solution is concentrated and cooled when the
crystals of silver nitrate separate out.
heat
3Ag + 4HNO3 (dilute)    3AgNO3 + NO + 2H2O
Properties
(a) Physical :
It is a colourless crystalline compound, soluble in water and alcohol. It melts at 212°C.
(b) Chemical :
(i) It possesses powerful corrosive action on organic tissues, which it turns black especially in presence
of light. The blackening is due to finely divided metallic silver, reduced by organic tissue. It is,
therefore, stored in coloured bottles.
(ii) On heating above its melting point, it decomposes to silver nitrite and oxygen.
2AgNO3  2AgNO2 + O2
When heated red hot, it gives metallic silver
2AgNO3  2Ag + 2NO2 + O2
(iii) The ammonical solution of AgNO3 react with acetylene to form a white precipitate.
2AgNO3 + 2NH4OH + C2H2  Ag2C2 (silver acetylide) + 2NH4NO3 + 2H2O
(vi) Ammonical silver nitrate is called Tollen’s reagent and is used to identify reducing sugars and
aldehydes.

RCHO + 2Ag+ + 3OH–  RCOO– + 2Ag + 2H2O
It is known as “silver mirror” test of aldehydes and reducing sugars.
Ag2O + HCHO  2Ag + HCOOH
Ag2O + C6H12O6  2Ag + C6H12O7
(vii) Phosphine, arsine and stibine all precipitate silver from silver nitrate solution
PH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3PO3
AsH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3AsO3

Photography :
A photographic film consists of a light sensitive emulsion of fine particles (grains) of silver salts in gelatine
spread on a clear celluloid strip or a glass plate. The grain size is very important to photographers, as this
affects the quality of the pictures produced. AgBr is mainly used as the light sensitive material. Some AgI is
used in ‘fast’ emulsions.
The film is placed in a camera. When the photograph is exposed, light from the subject enters the camera
and is focussed by the lens to give a sharp image on the film. The light starts a photochemical reaction by
exciting a halide ion, which loses an electron. The electron moves in a conduction band to the surface of the
grain, where it reduces a Ag+ ion to metallic silver.
light
2AgBr(s)   2Ag + Br2
In modern photography only a short exposure of perhaps 1/100th of a second is used. In this short time, only
a few atoms of silver (perhaps 10–50) are produced in each grain exposed to light. Parts of the film which
have been exposed to the bright parts of the subject contain a lot of grains with some silver. Parts exposed
to paler parts of the subject contains a few grains with some silver, whilst parts not exposed contain none.
Thus the film contains a latent image of the subject. However, the number of silver atoms produced is so
small that the image is not visible to the eye.
Next the film is placed a developer solution. This is a mild reducing agent, usually containing quinol. Its
purpose is to reduce more silver halide to Ag metal. Ag is deposited mainly where there are already some Ag
atoms. Thus the developing process intensifies the latent image on the film so it becomes visible. The
correct conditions for processing must be used to obtain an image of the required blackness.
2AgBr(s) + 2OH–(aq) + HO OH (aq)  2Ag(s) + 2H2O() + O O + 2Br–
(aq)
hydroquinol hydroquinone
If the film was brought out into daylight at this stage, the unexposed parts of the emulsion would turn black
and thus destroy the picture. To prevent this happening any unchanged silver halides are removed by placing
the film in a fixer solution. A solution of sodium thiosulphate is used as fixer. It forms a soluble complex with
silver halides.
AgBr + 2Na2S2O3  Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr
After fixing, the film can safely be brought out into daylight. Parts blackened by silver represent the light parts
of the original picture. This is therefore a negative.
To obtain an image with light and dark the right way round, a print must be made. Light is passed through the
negative onto a piece of paper coated with AgBr emulsion. This is then developed and fixed in the same way
as before.
[E] POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE (KMnO4) :
Preparation
This is the most important and well known salt of permanganic acid and is prepared from the pyrolusite ore.
It is prepared by fusing pyrolusite ore either with KOH or K2CO3 in presence of atmospheric oxygen or any
other oxidising agent such as KNO3. The fused mass turns green with the formation of potassium manganate,
K2MnO4.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
2MnO2 + 2K2CO3 + O2  2K2MnO4 + 2CO2
The fused mass is extracted with water and the solution is now treated with a current of chlorine or ozone or
carbon dioxide to convert manganate into permanganate.
2K2MnO4 + Cl2  2KMnO4 + 2KCl
2K2MnO4 + H2O + O3  2KMnO4 + 2KOH + O2
3K2MnO4 + 2CO2  2KMnO4 + MnO2 + 2K2CO3
Commercially it is prepared by fusion of MnO2 with KOH followed by electrolytic oxidation of manganate.
MnO42– (green)  MnO4– (purple) + e–
In the laboratory, a manganese(II) ion salt is oxidised by peroxodisulphate to permanganate
2Mn2+ + 5S2O82– + 8H2O  2MnO4– + 10SO42– + 16H+

 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is purple coloured crystalline compound. It is moderately soluble in water at room temperature.
(b) Chemical :
(i) Effect of heating
When heated alone or with an alkali, it decomposes evolving oxygen.
2KMnO4 750
 K
 K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
Re d
2K2MnO4  2K MnO + O
2 3 2
Heat

4KMnO4 + 4KOH  4K2MnO4 + 2H2O + O2
or
4MnO4– + 4OH–  
 4MnO42– + O2 + 2H2O.
MnO42– in dilute alkaline, water and acidic solutions is unstable and disproportionates to give MnO4– and MnO2
.
3MnO42– + 4H+  2MnO4– + MnO2  + 2H2O
3MnO42– + 2H2O  2MnO4– + MnO2  + 4OH–
or
3MnO42– + 3H2O  2MnO4– + MnO (OH)2  + 4OH–
On heating in current of H2 , solid KMnO4 gives MnO

2KMnO4 + 5H2 
 2KOH + 2MnO + 4H2O
(ii) On treatment with concentrated H2SO4 (KMnO4 is taken in excess), it forms manganese heptoxide
via permanganyl sulphate which decomposes explosively on heating.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  2KHSO4 + (MnO3)2SO4 + 2H2O
(MnO3)2SO4 + H2O  Mn2O7 + H2SO4
3
Mn2O7  2MnO2 + O2
2
(iii) Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidising agent.
Potassium permanganate acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline, neutral or acidic solutions.
A mixture of sulphur, charcoal and KMnO4 forms an explosive powder. A mixture of oxalic acid and
KMnO4 catches fire spontaneous after a few seconds. The same thing happens when glycerine is
poured over powdered KMnO4.
In alkaline & neutral medium :
In strongly alkaline medium KMnO4 is reduced to manganate.
2KMnO4 + 2KOH (conc.)  2K2 MnO4 + H2O + [O]
or
e– + MnO4–  MnO42–
However if solution is dilute then K2MnO4 is converted in to MnO2 which appears as a brownish precipitate.
2K2MnO4 + 2H2O  2MnO2 + 4KOH + 2[O]
or
2e– + 2H2O + MnO42–  MnO2 + 4OH–
This type of behaviour is shown by KMnO4 itself in neutral medium
3e– + 2H2O + MnO4–  MnO2 + 4OH–
In alkaline or neutral medium KMnO4 shows following oxidising properties.
(a) It oxidises ethene to glycol.
In alkaline medium KMnO4 solution is also known as Bayer’s reagent (1% alkaline KMnO4 solution).
(b) It oxidises iodide into iodate.

3e– + 2H2O + MnO4–  MnO2 + 4OH– × [2]
6OH– + –  O3– + 3H2O + 6e–
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2MnO4– + – + H2O  2MnO2 + O3– + 2OH–
(c) In neutral/ faintly alkaline solution thiosulphate is quantitatively oxidised to sulphate.

8MnO4– + 3S2O32– + H2O  8MnO2 + 6SO42– + 2OH–
In acidic medium (in presence of dilute H2SO4) :
Manganous sulphate is formed. The solution becomes colourless.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
or MnO4¯ + 8H+ + 5e–  Mn2+ + 4H2O
This medium is used in quantitative (volumetric) estimations. The equivalent mass of KMnO4 in acidic medium
Molecular mass
is = .
5
(a) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.

MnO4¯ + 5Fe2+ + 8H+  5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O
(b) Iodine is evolved from potassium iodide.
2MnO4¯ + 10I¯ + 16H+  2Mn2+ + 5I2 + 8H2O
(c) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :
2MnO4– + 16H+ + 5S2–  2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 5S
[F] POTASSIUM DICHROMATE (K2Cr2O7) :
 Preparation :
The chromite ore is roasted with sodium carbonate in presence of air in a reverberatory furnace
Roasting
4FeO. Cr2O3 (chromite ore) + 8Na2CO3 + 7O2 in  8Na CrO + 2Fe O + 8CO
air 2 4 2 3 2
The roasted mass is extracted with water when Na2CrO 4 goes into the solution leaving behind
insoluble Fe2O3. The solution is then treated with calculated amount of H2SO4.
2Na2CrO4 + H2SO4  Na2Cr2O7 + Na2SO4 + H2O
The solution is concentrated when less soluble Na2SO4 crystallises out. The solution is further concentrated
when crystals of Na2Cr2O7 are obtained. Hot saturated solution of Na2Cr2O7 is then treated with KCl when
orange red crystals of K2Cr2O7 are obtained on crystallisation.
Na2Cr2O7 + 2KCI  K2Cr2O7 + 2 NaCl
K2Cr2O7 is preferred over Na2Cr2O7 as a primary standard in volumetric estimation because Na2Cr2O7
is hygroscopic in nature but K2Cr2O7 is not.
 Properties
(a) Physical :
It is orange-red coloured crystalline compound. It is moderately soluble in cold water but freely soluble in hot
water. It melts at 398°C.
(b) Chemical :
(i) Effect of heating :
On heating strongly, it decomposes liberating oxygen.
3
2K2Cr2O7  2K2CrO4 + Cr2O3 + O
2 2
On heating with alkalies, it is converted to chromate, i.e., the colour changes from orange to yellow.
On acidifying, yellow colour again changes to orange.
K2Cr2O7 + 2KOH  2K2CrO4 + H2O
Cr2O 2
7 + 2OH¯
 2CrO 2
4 + H2O

Orange Yellow
2CrO 2 +  Cr O 2 + H O
4 + 2H 2 7 2
Yellow Orange
Thus CrO42– and Cr2O72– exist in equilibrium and are interconvertable by altering the pH of solution.
2CrO 2 + Cr2O 2
4 + 2H 2HCrO4– 7 + H2O
In alkaline solution, chromate ions are present while in acidic solution, dichromate ions are present.
(ii) K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4 (conc. & cold)  2CrO3  (bright orange/red) + 2KHSO4 + H2O
2K2Cr2O7 + 8H2SO4 (conc. & Hot)  2K2SO4 + 8H2O + 2Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2
(iii) Acidified K2Cr2O7 solution reacts with H2O2 to give a deep blue solution due to the formation of
CrO5.
Cr2O72– + 2H+ + 4H2O2  2CrO5 + 5H2O
Blue colour in aqueous solution fades away slowly due to the decomposition of CrO5 to Cr3+ ions
and oxygen.
In less acidic solution K2Cr2O7 and H2O2 give salt which is violet coloured and diamagnetic due to
the formation of [CrO(O2)(OH)]–.
In alkaline medium with 30% H2O2, a red-brown K3CrO8 (diperoxo) is formed. It is tetra peroxospecies
[Cr(O2)4]3– and thus the Cr is in +V oxidation state.
In ammonical solution a dark red-brown compound, (NH3)3CrO4 - diperoxo compound with Cr(IV) is
formed.
(iv) Potassium dichromate reacts with hydrochloric acid and evolves chlorine gas.
K2Cr2O7 + 14HCl  2KCl + 2CrCl3 + 7H2O + 3Cl2
(v) It acts as a powerful oxidising agent in acidic medium (dilute H2SO4)
Cr2O 2 + –  2Cr+3 + 7H O. (Eº = 1.33 V)
7 + 14H + 6e 2
The oxidation state of Cr changes from + 6 to +3.
(a) Iodine is liberated from potassium iodide :
Cr2O 2 + –  2Cr3+ + 7H O
7 + 14H + 6e 2
2–  2 + 2e– × [3]
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Cr2O 2 +  2Cr3+ + 32 + 7H2O
7 + 14H + 6¯
(b) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts :

6Fe2+ + Cr2O 2
7 + 14H
+  6Fe3+ + 2Cr3+ + 7H O
2
(c) Sulphites are oxidised to sulphates :

2 +  3SO 2 + 2Cr3+ + 4H O
Cr2O 2
7 + 3SO 3 + 8H 4 2
(d) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :

Cr2O 2 +  2Cr3+ + 7H O + 3S
7 + 3H2S + 8H 2
(e) SO2 is oxidised to H2SO4 :

Cr2O72– + 3SO2 + 2H+  2Cr3+ + 3SO42– + H2O ;

PART - I : OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
* Marked Questions are having more than one correct option.
Section (A) : Electronic configuration, atomic size and ionic size, density, melting and
boiling points.
A-1. The transition elements have a general electronic configuration :

(A) ns2 np6 nd1–10 (B) (n – 1) d1 – 10 ns0 – 2 np0 – 6
1 – 10 1–2
(C) (n – 1) d ns (D) none.
A-2. Which of the following is a correct statements -

(A) Iron is an element of third transition series (B) Iron is a f-block element
(C) Iron is an element of first transition series (D) None of these
A-3. The atomic volumes of the transition elements are low compared with elements in neighboring group 1 and 2
because :
(A) the nuclear charge is poorly screened and so attracts all the electrons more strongly.
(B) the extra electrons added occupy inner orbitals.
(C) (A) and (B) both.
(D) none.
A-4. The metallic bond strength in first transition series increases from -
(A) Sc to Mn (B) Sc to Cr (C) Cr to Zn (D) Sc to Cu
A-5. The wrong statement regarding transition metals among the following is :
(A) 4s electrons penetrate towards the nucleus more than 3d electrons
(B) atomic radii of transition metals increase rapidly with increase in atomic number because of poor shielding
of nuclear attraction by (n – 1)d electrons
(C) second and third transition series elements have nearly the same size
(D) their densities are higher and densities of the 5d series elements are higher than those of 4d series
elements.
A-6.* The melting point of Zn is lower as compared to those of the other elements of 3d series because :
(A) the d-orbitals are completely filled.
(B) the d-orbitals are partially filled.
(C) d-electrons do not participate in metallic bonding.
(D) size of Zn atom is smaller
Section (B) : Ionization enthalpy and oxidation state.

B-1. First IE of 5d series elements are higher than those of 3d and 4d series elements. This is due to :
(A) bigger size of atoms of 5d-series elements than 3d-series elements.
(B) greater effective nuclear charge is experienced by valence electrons because of the weak shielding of the
nucleus by 4ƒ-electrons in 5d series.
(C) (A) and (B) both.
(D) None of these.
B-2. Transition elements show variable oxidation states because they lose electrons from the following orbitals -
(A) ns and np (B) (n – 1) d and ns (C) (n – 1) d (D) ns
B-3. The highest oxidation state achieved by a transition metal is given by -

(A) ns electrons (B) (n – 1) d electrons (C) (n + 1) d electrons (D) ns + (n – 1) d electrons

B-4. The pair in which both the elements generally shows only one oxidation state is -
(A) Sc and Zn (B) Zn and Cu (C) Cu and Ag (D) Zn and Au
B-5. Which of the following statements is correct ?

(A) The lesser number of oxidation states in 3d-series in the beginning of the series is due to the presence
of too few electrons to loose or share
(B) The lesser number of oxidation states in 3d-series towards the end of the series is due to the presence
of too many electrons and thus fewer empty orbitals to share electrons with the ligands
(C) (A) and (B) both
(D) None is correct
B-6. Ionisation energies of Ni and Pt in kJ mol–1 are given below.

(IE)1  (IE)2 (IE)3  (IE )4
     
Ni 2.49 8.80
Pt 2.60 6.70
So, (select the correct statement)
(A) nickel (II) compounds tend to be thermodynamically more stable than platinum (II)
(B) platinum (IV) compounds tend to be more stable than nickel (IV)
(C) (A) & (B) both
(D) none is correct
B-7. Maximum oxidation sate is shown by :

(A) Os (B) Mn (C) Cr (D) Co
B-8.* The less stable oxidation states of Cr are :

2+ 3+ 4+ 6+
(A) Cr (B) Cr (C) Cr (D) Cr
Section (C) : Electrode potential and chemical reactivity.

C-1. Which of the following statement is false ?
(A) Of the d4 species, manganese () is strongly reducing while Cr2+ is strongly oxidising.
(B) Cobalt(II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing reagents it is easily oxidised.
(C) The d1 configuration is very unstable in ions.
(D) None of these
C-2.* Which of the following statements are correct ?

(A) Transition elements exhibit higher enthalpies of atomization as they have stronger interatomic interaction
(B) E2 of 23V < 24Cr > 25Mn and 28Ni < 29Cu > 30Zn
(C) Ni(II) compounds are more stable than Pt(II) where as Pt(IV) compounds are more stable than nickel (IV)
(D) The elements which gives the greatest number of oxidation states does not occur in or near the middle of
the series
Section (D) : Magnetic properties, formation of coloured ions

D-1. Titanium shows magnetic moment of 1.73 B.M. in its compounds. What is the oxidation number of Ti in the
compound ?
(A) + 1 (B) + 4 (C) + 3 (D) + 2
D-2. Which of the following has the maximum number of unpaired d-electron?
(A) Zn2+ (B) Fe2+ (C) Ni2+ (D) Cu2+
D-3. The highest magnetic moment is shown by the transition metal ion with the outermost electronic configuration
is :
(A) 3d5 (B) 3d2 (C) 3d7 (D) 3d9
D-4. Which of the following has maximum magnetic moment -

(A) V3+ (B) Cr3+ (C) Fe3+ (D) Co3+

D-5. The ion pair of the following in which both the ions have unpaired electron -
(A) Cr3+, Co2+ (B) Sc3+, Cr3+ (C) Cu+, Fe3+ (D) Mn2+, Cu+
D-6. Ti+2 and Ni2+ contain -

(A) Equal number of paired electrons (B) Equal number of unpaired electrons
(C) Different number of 2p electrons (D) Different number of 3p electrons
D-7. Which of the following is diamagnetic -

(A) Zn2+ (B) Ni2+ (C) Co2+ (D) Cu2+
D-8. A metal ion from the first transition series has a magnetic moment (calculated) of 3.87 B.M. How many
unpaired electrons are expected to be present in the ion?
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
D-9. Magnetic moment of Cr+2 (Z =24), Mn+2 (Z = 25) and Fe2+(Z = 26) are x,y,z. They are in order :
(A) x < y < z (B) x > y > z (C) z < x = y (D) x = z < y
D-10. The magnetic moment of 25

Mn in ionic state is 15 B.M, then Mn is in :
(A) +2 state (B) +3 state (C) +4 state (D) +5 state
D-11. Which of the following group of ions is paramagnetic in nature :

+ 2+ 3+ 2+ 3+ 2+ 2+ 3+ 3+ 2+ 2+ 4+
(A) Cu , Zn , Sc (B) Mn , Fe , Ni (C) Cr , Mn , Sc (D) Cu , Ni , Ti
D-12. The reason for the formation of complex compounds by transition metal is -
(A) Availability of empty d-orbitals (B) Completely filled d-orbitals
(C) Paramagnetism (D) Bigger size
D-13. Which of the following is not a characteristic property of transition metal -

(A) High enthalpy of atomisation (B) Formation of interstitial compounds
(C) Diamagnetism (D) Variable oxidation state
D-14. The colour of transition metal ions is attributed to :

(A) exceptionally small size of cations (B) absorption of ultraviolet rays
(C) incomplete (n – 1) d - subshell (D) absorption of infrared radiations
D-15. Which one of the ionic species will impart colour to an aqueous solution ?
(A) Ti4+ (B) Cu+ (C) Zn2+ (D) Cr3+
D-16. MnO4– is of intense pink colour, though Mn is in (+7) oxidation state. It is due to :
(A) oxygen gives colour to it
(B) charge transfer when Mn gives its electron to oxygen
(C) charge transfer when oxygen gives its electron to Mn making it Mn(+VI) hence coloured
(D) none is correct
D-17. Transition metals ions form interstitial compounds because -

(A) Interstices are available in their crystal lattice
(B) They have empty d-orbitals
(C) They have high value of ionic potential
(D) They show variable oxidation states
D-18. Transition elements act as catalyst because -

(A) Their melting points are higher (B) Their I.P. values are higher
(C) They have high density (D) They can show variable oxidation states
D-19. The yellow colour of chromates changes to orange on acidification due to formation of :
(A) Cr3+ (B) Cr2O3 (C) Cr2O72- (D) CrO4–

D-20. CuSO4.5H2O is blue in colour because
(A) It contains water of crystallization (B) SO42– ions absorb red light
2+
(C) Cu ions absorb red light
(D) Cu2+ ions absorb all colours except red from the white light
D-21.* Which of the following ions give(s) colourled aqueous solution?

(A) Ni2+ (B) Fe2+ (C) Cu2+ (D) Cu+
Section (E) : Catalytic properties, formation of interstitial compounds, alloy formation.

E-1. The catalytic activity of the transition metals and their compounds is ascribed to :
(A) their chemical reactivity. (B) their magnetic behaviour.
(C) their filled d-orbitals.
(D) their ability to adopt multiple oxidation state and their complexing ability.
E-2. Cementite is :
(A) interstitial compound of iron and carbon (B) an alloy of Fe and Cr
(C) a compound resembling cement (D) an ore of iron
E-3. Which forms interstitial compounds?

(A) Fe (B) Co (C) Ni (D) All
E-4. Which of the following ions in solution undergoes disproportionation -

(A) Fe+2 (B) Cr+3 (C) Cu+ (D) Zn+2
E-5.* Which of the following statement is/are correct ?

(A) Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.
(B) The enthalpies of atomistation of the transition metals are high.
(C) The transition metals generally form interstitial compounds with small atoms like C, B, H etc.
(D) All transition metal compounds are not paramagnetic.
E-6. If n is the number of unpaired electron, the magnetic moment (In B.M.) of transition metal/ion is given by -
(A) n (n  2) (B) 2n (n  1) (C) n (n – 2) (D) 2n (n – 1)
Section (F) : Important d-block metal compounds.

F-1. KMnO4 is the oxo salt of :
(A) MnO2 (B) Mn2O7 (C) MnO3 (D) Mn2O3
F-2. When K4 [Fe(CN)6] is added to FeCl3, the complex compound formed is :

(A) Fe3[Fe(CN)6]4 (B) Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 (C) K2Fe[Fe(CN)6] (D) K2Fe3[Fe(CN)6]2
F-3. A compound is yellow when hot and white when cold. The compound is :
(A) Al2O3 (B) PbO (C) CaO (D) ZnO
F-4. On heating ZnCl2.2H2O, the compound obtained is :

(A) ZnCl2 (B) Zn(OH)Cl (C) Zn(OH)2 (D) Zn

Sol. ZnCl2 . 2H2O  Zn(OH)Cl + HCl + H2O.
F-5. The reaction, 2Cu+  Cu + Cu2+ is called -

(A) Reduction (B) Oxidation (C) Displacement (D) disproportionation
F-6. When copper is placed in the atmosphere for sufficient time, a green crust is formed on its surface. The
composition of the green crust is :
(A) Cu(OH)2 (B) CuO (C) CuCO3 (D) CuCO3.Cu(OH)2
F-7. The solubility of silver bromide in hypo solution (excess) is due to the formation of :
(A) Ag2SO3 (B) Ag2S2O3 (C) [Ag(S2O3)]– (D) [Ag(S2O3)2]3–

F-8. In dilute alkaline solution, MnO4– changes to :
(A) MnO42– (B) MnO2 (C) Mn2O3 (D) MnO
F-9. CuSO4 solution + lime is called :

(A) Lucas reagent (B) Barfoed’s reagent (C) Fehling solution A (D) Bordeaux mixture
F-10. Water soluble salt among AgNO3, AgF & AgCIO4 are -
(A) AgF, AgNO3 (B) AgF (C) AgF, AgNO3, AgClO4 (D) None of these
F-11. CrO3 is a/an.....

(A) Acidic oxide (B) Basic oxide (C) Neutral oxide (D) Amphoteric
F-12. The developer used in photography is an alkaline solution of :

(A) hydroquinone (B) glycerol (C) phenol (D) picric acid
F-13. When acidified solution of K2Cr2O7 is shaken with aqueous solution of FeSO4 , then :
(A) Cr2O72– ion is reduced to Cr3+ ions (B) Cr2O72– ion is converted to CrO42– ions
(C) Cr2O72– ion is reduced to Cr (D) Cr2O72– ion is converted to CrO3
F-14. FeCl3 dissolves in :

(A) water (B) ether (C) ammonia (D) (A) and (B) both
F-15. Which of the following compounds is used as the starting material for the preparation of potassium dichromate?
(A) K2SO4.Cr2(SO4)3.24H2O (chrome alum) (B) PbCrO4 (chrome yellow)
(C) FeCr2O4 (chromite) (D) PbCrO4.PbO (chrome red)
F-16. CrO3 dissolves in aqueous NaOH to give :

(A) CrO42– (B) Cr(OH)3 (C) Cr2 O72– (D) Cr(OH)2
F-17. The equilibrium
Cr2O72– 2CrO42– is shifted to right in -
(A) An acidic medium (B) A basic medium (C) A neutral medium (D) It does not exist
F-18. When the same amount of Zn is treated with excess of H2SO4 and excess of NaOH separately, the ratio of
the volume of hydrogen evolved is -
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 2 : 1 (D) 9 : 4
F-19. The final products obtained for the following reaction is :

KMnO4 (excess) + H2SO4 (concentrated and cold) 
(A) Mn2 O7 (B) MnO (C) Mn3O4 (D) MnO3+
F-20. When AgNO3 (aq) reacts with excess of iodine, we get :

(A) AgO3 (B) HO3 (C) AgO (D) H
F-21. The compound that gets oxidised even on exposure to atmosphere is :

(A) Co2(SO4)3 (B) NiSO4 (C) KMnO4 (D) FeSO4
F-22.* Select correct statement (s).

(A) PH3 reduces AgNO3 to metallic Ag.
(B) Organic tissues turn AgNO3 black by reducing it to Ag.
(C) AgCN is soluble in KCN.
(D) Zr and Ta have almost similar size due to lanthanide contraction.
F-23. Ferric chloride exists as -

(A) FeCl3 (B) Fe2Cl6 (C) (FeCl3)3 (D) Both 2 and 3
F-24. Which of the following compounds is most likely to contain non-metal atoms in the interstices of a metals
lattice?
(A) Fe3O4 (B) TiN (C) MnO2 (D) CoF2

PART - II : MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
COMPREHENSION
Read the following comprehension carefully and answer the questions :
Comprehension # 1
Transition metals usually form coloured complexes and d – d transitions (t2g eg) are responsible for colour
as the energy difference between t2g and eg lies in visible region. But all the coloured ions are not due to d–d
transition but charge transfer bands also play important roles. Charge transfer bands may be of two types.
(i) ligand to metal (CTLM) (ii) metal to ligand (CTML).
Charge transfer transition always produces intense colour as compared to d-d transition.
1. Select the incorrect statement :
(A) d-block metal ions are usually coloured.
(B) Colour of the most of d-block metal ions is generally due to d-d transition.
(C) All the complexes of Cu+ are colourless on account of diamagnetic nature i.e. d10 configuration.
(D) CrO3 is bright orange due to CTLM.
2. MnO4– is dark purple coloured although Mn is in (+ VII) oxidation state with 3dº configuration :
(A) due to d-d transition. (B) due to CTML spectra.
(C) due to CTLM spectra (D) none of these.
3. Select the correct statement.

(A) In CTML, no net reduction-oxidation takes place because of the short life time of excited state.
(B) Cu2O is a red coloured salt.
(C) Vermilon (HgS) is a red coloured compound.
(D) All of these.
Comprehension # 2
(i) A powdered substance (A) on treatment with fusion mixture gives a green coloured compound (B).
(ii) The solution of (B) in boiling water on acidification with dilute H2SO4 gives a pink coloured
compound (C) and brown colour compound (D).
(iii) The aqueous solution of (A) on treatment with NaOH and Br2–water gives the compound (D).
(iv) A solution of (D) in concentrated HNO3 on treatment with lead peroxide at boiling temperature
produced a compound (E) which was of the same colour at that of (C).
(v) A solution of (A) on treatment with a solution of barium chloride gave a white precipitate of compound (F)
which was insoluble in concentrated HNO3 and concentrated HCl.
4. Which of the following is true for compound (C) ?

(A) It oxidises ammonia to nitrogen dioxide in neutral medium.
(B) It's pink colour is due to d-d transition.
(C) It can be oxidised by ozone.
(D) It is obtained by alkaline fusion of pyrolusite followed by electrolytic oxidation.
5. The oxidation state of central metal ions of (A), (B) and (C) compounds are respectively :
(A) +II , + VI and + VII (B) +II , + VI and + VI (C) +II , + VII and + VII (D) +VI , + VII and + VII
6. Consider the following statements ;

(I) anions of both (B) and (C) are diamagnetic and have tetrahedral geometry.
(II) anions of both (B) and (C) are paramagnetic and have tetrahedral geometry.
(III) anion of (B) is paramagnetic and that of (C) is diamagnetic but both have tetrahedral geometry.
(IV) green coloured compound (B) in a neutral or acidic medium disproportionates to give (C) and (D).
of these select the correct one from the codes given :
(A) I and III only (B) II and III only (C) II and IV only (D) III and IV only

Comprehension # 3
Photography is based on the nature of silver halides. Except AgF, the silver halides are photosensitive.
These undergo decomposition in light and turn black due to formation of free silver.
Light
2AgBr   2Ag + Br2
The photographic plates or films are prepared in a dark and dust free room by applying a light sensitive
mixture called emulsion which is prepared by adding 20 per cent aqueous solution of silver nitrate to ammonium
bromide solution containing gelatin.
When such a film is exposed, the emulsion gets affected. Since different parts of the body reflect light of
varied intensity, the film or plate is affected proportionately. An actual but inverted image of the object is thus
formed on the film or plate which is not visible to the eye. It is, therefore, called the latent image.
When this exposed film or plate is dipped in a developer which contains a reducing agent, the parts affected
most during exposure are reduced to maximum. The image becomes visible. It is called a negative. The
remaining sensitive emulsion on the negative is removed by dissolving it in hypo solution (fixer). Finally, a
positive of the negative already prepared is made on silver bromide paper.
7. The compound formed on the unexposed photographic film or plate is :

(A) silver nitrate. (B) ammonium bromide.
(C) diamminesilver bromide. (D) silver bromide.
8. The exposed part of the film or plate after developing contains :

(A) silver metal (B) silver oxide (C) silver bromide (D) silver nitrate.
9. The solution of the developer consists :

(A) alkaline solution of pyrogallol (B) alkaline solution of quinol
(C) either (A) or (B) (D) neither (A) nor (B).
10. Silver halides are used in photography because these compounds :

(A) are insoluble in water
(B) are affected by light
(C) are soluble in ammonia solution
(D) easily stick on the surface of photographic plate or film
11. Silver bromide dissolves in hypo solution forming :

(A) Ag2S2O3 (B) Ag2S (C) Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] (D) NaAgS2O3 .
MATCH THE COLUMN

12. Match the reactions in Column I with nature of the reactions/type of the products in Column II.
Column I Column II

(A) FeSO4  (p) One of the products is coloured due to charge transfer
(B) Mn2+ + S2O82– + H2O  (q) One of the products is in + VI oxidation state
(C) Na2Cr2O7 + H2SO4(conc.) (r) Redox reaction
(saturated solution)
(D) N2H4 + CuSO4  (s) One of the products is acidic oxide
13. Match the reactions listed in column() with the characteristic(s) of the products/type of reactions listed in
column(II).
Column - I Column - II
(A) MnO42– + CO2  (p) Two pungent smelling gases are liberated.
(B) CrO42– + H+  (q) Show disproportionation reaction.


(C) FeSO4  (r) Dimeric bridged tetrahedral metal ion.

(D) CuCI2 2H2O  (s) One of the products has central metal in its highest stable oxidation state.

Column I Column II
(A) AgNO3(aq) + I2 (excess) + H2O  (p) Disproportionation
(B) K2MnO4(aq) + CO2(g)  (q) Comproportionation

(C) Na2Cr2O7 + C  (r) Redox
(D) CuCl2(aq) + Cu(s)  (s) One of the products is insoluble in water
ASSERTION / REASONING
DIRECTIONS :
Each question has 5 choices (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) out of which ONLY ONE is correct.
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False.
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True.
(E) Statement-1 and Statement-2 both are False.
15. Statement-1 : The order of atomic radii of Cu, Ag and Au is Cu < Ag  Au.
Statement-2 : The atomic radii of 4d series elements are larger than those of 3d series elements but
generally the radii of 4d and 5d series elements are almost identical.
16. Statement-1 : 4d & 5d series elements have nearly same atomic radius.
Statement-2 : Lanthanoide contraction.
17. Statement-1 : The value of enthalpy of atomisation is maximum at about the middle of each series.
Statement-2 : There is one unpaired electron per d-orbital and this results in stronger interatomic interaction.
18. Statement-1 : The spin only magnetic moment of Sc3+ is 1.73 B.M.
Statement-2 : The spin only magnetic moment of an ion is equal to n(n  2) ; where n is the number of
unpaired electrons in the ion.
19. Statement-1 : The highest manganese fluoride is MnF4 and the highest oxide is Mn2O7 .
Statement-2 : In Mn2O7, each Mn is tetrahedrally surrounded by Os including Mn–O–Mn bridge.
20. Statement-1 : The lowest oxide of a transition metal (say, chromium, atomic number 24) is basic where as
the highest oxide is usually acidic.
Statement-2 : Cr2O3 is amphoteric in nature.
21. Statement-1 : In acid solution permanganate is reduced to Mn2+ by an excess of reducing agent.
Statement-2 : MnO4– redused in Mn2+ in acidic medium and the product in the presence of an excess of
permanganate is MnO2 .
22. Statement-1 : Hydrochloric acid is not used to acidify a KMnO4 solution in volumetric analysis of Fe2+ and
C2O42– because.
Statement-2 : Part of the oxygen produced from KMnO4 and HCl is used up in oxidising HCl to Cl2 .
23. Statement-1 : Potassium dichromates gives deep red vapours with concentrated H2SO4 and sodium chloride.
Statement-2 : The reaction of sodium chloride with solid K2Cr2O7 and concentrated H2SO4 produces chromyl
chloride.
24. Statement-1 : Solution of Na2CrO4 in water is intensely coloured.

Statement-2 : Oxidation state of Cr in Na2CrO4 is (+VI).

25. Statement-1 : Reaction of thionyl chloride with hydrated ferric chloride yields anhydrous ferric chloride.
Statement-2 : Water of crystallisation present with ferric chloride reacts with thionyl chloride to liberate HCl
and SO2 gases.
26. Statement-1 : Hydroquinone is used as a developer for developing black and white photographic film.
Statement-2 : Hydroquinone reduces silver bromide to black silver particles and an inverted image of the
object is produced on a celluloid film.
27. Statement-1 : Silver nitrate is reduced to silver by the hydrides of 15th group elements (except NH3) because
Statement-2 : They act as strong reducing agents.
28. Statement-1 : Ag2 S + 4 KCN 2K [Ag(CN)2] + K2S

Statement-2 : The reaction is carried out in presence of air or O2 so that K2S is oxidised to K2SO4 thereby
shifting the equilibrium in forward direction.
29. Statement-1 : CuSO4.5H2O on heating to 250°C loses all the five H2O molecules and becomes anhydrous.
Statement-2 : All the five H2O molecules are co-ordinated to the central Cu2+ ion.
30. Statement-1 : CrO3 is an acid anhydride.

Statement-2 : CrO3 is obtained as bright orange crystals by the reaction of K2Cr2O7 with cold concentrated
H2SO4
31. Statement-1 : Solid potassium dichromate gives greenish yellow vapours with concentrated H2SO4 and
solid ammonium chloride.
Statement-2 : The reaction of ammonium chloride with solid K2Cr2O7 and concentrated H2SO4 produces
chromyl chloride.
32. Statement-1 : The free gaseous chromium atom has six unpaired electrons
Statement-2 : Half filled orbital has greater stability than fully filled
33. Statement-1 : K2CrO4 has yellow colour due to charge transfer.

Statement-2 : CrO42– ion is tetrahedral in shape.
34. Statement-1 : The green manganate is paramagnetic but the purple permanganate is diamagnetic in
nature.
Statement-2 : MnO42– contains one unpaired electron while in MnO4– all electrons are paired.
35. Statement-1 : Copper metal is turned green when exposed to atmospheric CO2 and moisture.
Statement-2 : Copper gets covered with a green layer of basic copper carbonate.
36. Statement-1 : Ammoniacal silver nitrate converts glucose to gluconic acid and metallic silver is precipitated.
Statement-2 : Glucose acts as a weak reducing agent.
TRUE / FALSE
37. S1 : Interstitial compounds have high melting points, higher than those of pure metals.
S2 : Permanganate titrations in presence of hydrochloric acid are unsatisfactory.
S3 : KMnO4 does not act as an oxidising agent in strong alkaline medium.
S4 : KMnO4 on heating in a current of H2 gives MnO.
(A) T T F T (B) T F F T (C) T F T T (D) F F T F
38. S1 : Mn2+ compounds are more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to their +3 state.
S2 : Titanium and copper both in the first series of transition metals exhibits +1 oxidation state most frequently.
S3 : Cu+ ion is stable in aqueous solutions.
S4 : The E value for the Mn3+ / Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Cr3+ /Cr2+ or Fe3+/Fe2+.
(A) T T F T (B) T F F T (C) T F T T (D) F F T F

39. S1 : Covalent and ionic radii of Nb and Ta are almost the same.
S2 : Ionisation energies of transition elements decrease with increase in atomic number in a given group.
S3 : Iodide of Millon's base is believed to have the structure.
S4 : Yellow colour of CrO42– is due to d-d transition.

(A) T T F T (B) T F F T (C) T F T F (D) F F T F
40. S1 : Acidic dichromate solutions on treatment with H2O2 gives deep blue CrO(O2)2 .
S2 : A deep red liquid, CrO2Cl2 is formed by the reaction of chromium(III) oxide with HCl in presence of
conc.H2SO4.
S3 : (NH4)2Cr2O7 on heating yields green chromium(III) oxide and nitrogen gas.
S4 : K2Cr2O7 on heating with charcoal produces K2CO3 .
and arrange in the order of true/false.
(A) T T T T (B) T F T T (C) T F T F (D) F F T T
41. S1 : MnII ions in solution is oxidised to MnO4– by PbO2 or NaBiO3 .

S2 : MnO42– ions in neutral, acid or slightly basic solutions readily disproportionates.
S3 : KMnO4 gives MnO on heating in current of hydrogen.
and arrange in the order of true/ false.
(A) T T T (B) T F T (C) T F F (D) F T F.
FILL IN THE BLANKS

42. Paramagnetism arises from the presence of _______________.
43. The solubility of Cu(OH)2 in ammonia is due to the formation of a complex of the formula _______________.
44. Cu+ in aqueous solution undergoes _______________ (disproportionation/comproportionation)
45. Pot. permangnate in neutral medium oxidises thiosulphate to _______________ (sulphate / dithionate).
46. Permanent magnets are made of an alloy known as _______________.
47. On adding alkali, the dichromate solution changes to _______________.
48. Potassium iodide is oxidised by KMnO4 to_______________ in acidic medium.

49. CuCl2 . 2H2O  _____________ + Cu2Cl2 + HCl + Cl2 + H2O
strong
50. The ammonical silver nitrate reacts with acetylene to give _______________.
51. Anhydrous ferrous sulphate on strong heating decomposes to give _________ and _________ gases.

52. CuO       _______________ + O2
11001200 º C
53. Green K2MnO4 disproportionates in a neutral or acidic medium to give _______________ and _______________.

PART - I : MIXED OBJECTIVE
Single choice type

1. In a transition series, as the atomic number increases, paramagnetism -
(A) Increases gradually
(B) Decreases gradually
(C) First increases to a maximum and then decreases
(D) First decreases to a minimum and then increases
2. The magnetic moment of a transition metal ion is found to be 3.87 B.M. The number of unpaired electrons
present in it is -
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5
3. Which of the following transition metal has the highest melting point -
(A) Cr (B) Mo (C) W (D) Hg
4. Ionic character of halides of metals (3d-transition series) decreases in the order -

(A) M-I > M-Br > M-Cl > M-F (B) M-Cl > M-Br > M-l > M-F
(C) M-Br > M-Cl > M-F > M-I (D) M-F > M-Cl > M-Br > M-I
5. Which of the following group of transition metals is called coinage metals -

(A) Cu, Ag, Au (B) Ru, Rh, Pd (C) Fe, Co, Ni (D) Os, Ir, Pt
6. The correct ground state electronic configuration of chromium atom (Z = 24) is :

(A) [Ar] 4d5 4s1 (B) [Ar] 3d4 4s2 (C) [Ar]3d6 4s0 (D) [Ar] 3d5 4s1
7. Transition metals :
(A) exhibit only diamagnetism (B) undergo inert pair effect
(C) do not form alloys (D) show variable oxidation states
8. The radii (metallic) of Fe,Co and Ni are nearly same.

This is due to :
(A) lanthanide contraction
(B) the fact that successive addition of d–electrons screen the outer electrons (4s) from the inward pull of the
nucleus.
(C) increase in radii due to increase in 'n' is compensated by decrease in radii due to increase in effective
nuclear charge (Z).
(D) atomic radii do not remain constant but decrease in a normal gradation.
9. Atoms of the transition elements are smaller than those of the s-block elements, because :
(A) there is increase in the nuclear charge along the period.
(B) orbital electrons are added to the penultimate d–subshell rather than to the outer shell of the atom.
(C) the shielding effect of d-electrons is small.
(D) All of these
10. Which of the following factor may be regarded as the main cause of Lanthanide contraction ?
(A) Poor shielding of 4 f-electrons in compare to other electrons in the sub-shell.
(B) Effective shielding of one of the 4 f-electrons by another in the sub-shell.
(C) Poorer shielding of 5 d electron by 4 f- electrons.
(D) Greater shielding of 5 d electron by 4 f- electron.
11. Which of the following transition metal ions has the lowest density ?
(A) Copper (B) Nickel (C) Scandium (D) Zinc

12. Brown's catalyst is -
(A) Pt/PtO (B) Pd/BaSO4 (C) Nickel boride (D) None
13. A mixture of TiO2 and BaSO4 is called -

(A) Titanox (B) Lithopone (C) White pigment (D) None
14. Which of the following contains the maximum number of unpaired electrons -
(A) TiCl3 (B) MnCl2 (C) FeSO4 (D) CuSO4
15. CuSO4 solution + lime is called -

(A) Luca's reagent (B) Barfoed's reagent (C) Fehling solution A (D) Bordeaux mixture
16. Lunar caustic is -

(A) NaOH (B) KOH (C) Ba(OH)2 (D) AgNO3
17. K2Cr2O7 is preferred to Na2Cr2O7 for use in volumetric analysis as a primary standard becasuse -
(A) Na2Cr2O7 is hygroscopic while K2Cr2O7 is not
(B) K2Cr2O7 is hygroscopic while Na2Cr2O7 is not
(C) K2Cr2O7 is pure while Na2Cr2O7 is impure
(D) None of these
18. Of the ions Zn2+ , Ni2+ and Cr3+ (atomic number Zn = 30, Ni = 28, Cr = 24) :
(A) only Zn2+ is colourless and Ni2+ and Cr3+ are coloured.
(B) all three are colourless.
(C) all three are coloured.
(D) only Ni2+ is coloured and Zn2+ and Cr3+ are colourless.
19. Among the following pairs of ions, the lower oxidation state in aqueous solution is more stable than the other,
in:
(A) Zn2+ , Zn3+ (B) Cu+ , Cu2+ (C) Cr2+ , Cr3+ (D) V2+, VO2+
20. VO2 is an amphoteric oxide and in acidic medium it forms :

(A) VO2+ (B) VO+2 (C) V3+ (D) VO22+
21. Match the compounds of column X with oxidation state of column Y.

Column X Column Y
I [Cr(H2O)6]Cl3 5
II CrO5 4
III K3CrO8 6
IV (NH3)3CrO4 3
I II III IV I II III IV
(A) 3 6 5 4 (B) 3 4 5 6
(C) 4 5 6 3 (D) 6 5 4 3
22. Which of the following transition element shows the highest oxidation state :
(A) Mn (B) Fe (C) V (D) Cr
23. Standard reduction electrode potential of Zn2+ / Zn is – 0.76 V. This means :

(A) ZnO is reduced to Zn by H2
(B) Zn can't liberates H2 with concentrated acids
(C) Zn is generally the anode in an electrochemical cell
(D) Zn is generally the cathode in an electrochemical cell
24. E values for the couples Cr3+/Cr2+ and Mn3+/Mn2+ are – 0.41 and + 1.51 volts respectively. Considering these
values select the correct option from the following statements.
(A) Cr2+ acts as a reducing agent and Mn2+ acts as an oxidising agent in their aqueous solutions.
(B) Cr2+ (aq.) is more stable than Cr3+ (aq.).
(C) Mn3+ (aq.) is more stable than Mn2+ (aq).
(D) None of these.

25. Which one of the following shows highest magnetic moment ?
(A) V3+ (B) Cr3+ (C) Fe3+ (D) Co3+
26. Amongst the following the lowest degree of paramagnetism per mole of the compound at 298 K will be shown
by:
(A) MnSO4.4H2O (B) CuSO4.5H2O (C) FeSO4.6H2O (D) NiSO4.6H2O
27. Baeyer's reagent is-

(A) KMnO4 + H2SO4 (B) KMnO4 + KOH (C) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 (D) K2Cr2O7 + KOH
28. Lanthanoid contraction implies -

(A) Decrease in density (B) Decrease in mass
(C) Decrease in ionic radii (D) Decrease in radioactivity
29. The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that -

(A) Zr and Y have about the same radius (B) Zr and Nb have similar oxidation state
(C) Zr and Hf have about the same radius (D) Zr and Zn have the same oxidation state
30. The basic character of the transition metal monoxide follows the order -
(A) VO > CrO > TiO > FeO (B) CrO > VO > FeO > TiO
(C) TiO > FeO > VO > CrO (D) TiO > VO > CrO > FeO
31. Lanthanide contraction is due to increase in -

(A) Shielding by 4f electrons (B) Atomic number
(C) Effective nuclear charge (D) size of 4 f-orbital
32. When MnO2 is fused with KOH, a coloured compound is formed, the product and its colour is –
(A) K2MnO4, green (B) KMnO4, purple (C) Mn2O3, brown (D) Mn3O4 , black
33. Which one of the transition metal ions is coloured in aqueous solution ?
(A) Cu+ (B) Zn2+ (C) Sc3+ (D) V4+
34. Compound that is both paramagnetic and coloured is :

(A) K2Cr2O7 (B) (NH4)2 [TiCl6] (C) VOSO4 (D) K3[Cu(CN)4]
35. Which of the following compounds is expected to be coloured ?

(A) Ag2SO4 (B) CuF2 (C) MgF2 (D) CuCl
36. Most transition metals :

I : form sets of compounds which display different oxidation states of the metal.
II : form coloured ions in solution.
III : burn vigorously in oxygen.
IV : form complex compound.
of these :
(A) I, II, III are correct (B) II, III, IV are correct (C) I, II are correct (D) all are correct.
37. The aqueous solution of the following salts will be coloured in the case of :
(A) Zn (NO3)2 (B) LiNO3 (C) Co(NO3)2 (D) Potash alum
38. Which one of the following characteristics of the transition metals is associated with their catalytic activity ?
(A) Colour of hydrated ions. (B) Variable oxidation states.
(C) High enthalpy of atomization. (D) Paramagnetic behaviour.
39. German silver is an alloy of copper and :

(A) Zn + Ni (B) Al + Ag (C) Zn + Ag (D) Sn + Zn
40. Ferric sulphate on heating gives :

(A) SO2 and SO3 (B) SO2 only (C) SO3 only (D) S

41. Anhydrous ferric chloride is prepared by :
(A) dissolving ferric hydroxide in dilute HCl. (B) dissolving ferric hydroxide in concentrated HCl.
(C) by passing dry Cl2 gas over heated scrap iron. (D) by dissolving iron (III) oxide in concentrated HCl.
42. At 300ºC, FeCl3 :

(A) decomposes into FeCl2 and Cl2 (B) decomposes into Fe and Cl2
(C) sublimes to give liquid FeCl3 (D) sublimes to give gaseous dimer (FeCl3)2
43. Iron is rendered passive by treatment with concentrated :

(A) HCl (B) H2SO4 (C) H3PO4 (D) HNO3
44. Lucas reagent is :

(A) Anhydrous ZnCl2 + HCl (conc.) (B) MnO2 + H2O
(C) H2SO4 + HCl (D) NO + H2O
45. Which one of the following dissolves in hot concentrated NaOH ?

(A) Fe (B) Zn (C) Cu (D) Ag
46. The compound used for gravimetric estimation of Cu() is :

(A) Cu2(SCN)2 (B) Cu2O (C) Cu22 (D) Cu2CO3
47. In the reaction, 2CuCl2 + 2H2O + SO2  A + H2SO4 + 2HCl ; A is

(A) Cu2Cl2 (B) Cu (C) CuSO4 (D) CuS
48. Sodium thiosulphate is used in photography because of its :

(A) oxidising behaviour (B) reducing behaviour
(C) complexing behaviour (D) photochemical behaviour
49. MnO42– (1 mole) in neutral aqueous medium disproportionates to :

(A) 2/3 mole of MnO4– and 1/3 mole of MnO2 (B) 1/3 mole of MnO4– and 2/3 mole of MnO2
(C) 1/3 mole of Mn2O7 and 1/3 mole of MnO2 (D) 2/3 mole of Mn2O7 and 1/3 mole of MnO2
50. When H2O2 is added to an acidified solution of K2Cr2O7 :

(A) solution turns green due to formation of Cr2O3 (B) solution turns yellow due to formation of K2CrO4
(C) a blue coloured compound CrO(O2)2 is formed (D) solution gives green ppt of Cr(OH)3
51. The number of moles of KMnO4 that will be needed to react with one mole of sulphite ion in acidic medium is
(A) 2/5 (B)3/5 (C) 4/5 (D) 1
52. Ammonium dichromate is used in some fire works. The green coloured powder blown in the air is
(A) CrO3 (B) Cr2O3 (C) Cr (D) CrO (O2)
53. The number of moles of KMnO4 that will be needed to react completely with one mole of ferrous oxalate in
acidic solution is :
(A) 3/5 (B) 2/5 (C) 4/5 (D) 1
54. Which of the following compounds is diamagnetic -

(A) ZnCl2 (B) CrCl3 (C) CuSO4 (D) NiCl42–
55. The complex [CoF6]3–should have a spin only magnetic moment is -
(A) 3 B.M. (B) 2 5 B.M. (C) 24 B.M. (D) 6 B.M.
56. The highest oxidation state is exhibited by the transition metals with configuration -
(A) (n – 1) d3ns2 (B) (n – 1) d5ns1 (C) (n – 1) d5ns2 (D) (n – 1) d8ns2
57. The common oxidation state of the elements of lanthanide series is -

(A) + 2 (B) + 3 (C) + 4 (D) + 1

More than one choice type
58. In photography, quinol is used as developer according to following reaction.
HO – – OH + 2AgBr + 2OH–  O= = O + 2Ag + 2H2O + 2Br–
Which of the following describe(s) the role of quinol in this reaction ?

(A) It acts as an acid. (B) It acts as a weak base.
(C) It acts as an oxidising agent. (D) It acts as a reducing agent.
59. Which of the following statement (s) is/are correct ?

(A) S2O82– oxidise Ag+ in presence of pyridine and give red colour compound.
(B) MnO42– disproportionates to yield MnO4– and MnO2 in presence of H+ ions.
(C) In Cr2O72– each Cr is linked to four oxygen atoms.
(D) Ti2+ is purple while Ti4+ is colourless.
60. Following reaction(s) is/are involved in the iodometric estimation.

(A) Cr2 O72– + H+ + –  2Cr3+ + 2 ; 2 + S2O32–  S4O62– + –
(B) MnO4– + H+ + –  Mn2+ + 2 ; 2 + S2 O32–  S4 O62– + –
(C) MnO4– + OH– + –  MnO2 + 2 ; 2 + S2O32–  S4O62– + –
(D) Cr2 O72– + OH– + –  2 Cr3+ + 2 ; 2 + S2 O32–  S4O62– + –
61. The colour of the transition metal ions is/are due to :

(A) d-d transition of electrons in presence of ligands
(B) charge transfer from ligand to metal ion.
(C) change in the geometry
(D) polarisation of anion by cation
62. Which of the following statement(s) is/are not correct ?

(A) The blue colour of aqueous CuCl2 is due to [Cu(H2O)4]2+
(B) The yellow colour of aqueous CuCl2 is due to [CuCl4]2–
(C) The green colour of aqueous CuCl2 is due to the presence of both [Cu(H2O)4]+ and [CuCl4]2–
(D) The blue colour of aqueous CuCl2 is due to [CuCl4]2–
63. Select correct statement (s).

(A) MnO4– is intense pink colour due to d-d transition of electron.
(B) Cu(I) is diamagnetic while Cu(II) is paramagnetic.
(C) CrO3 is amphoteric oxide.
(D) [Ti(H2O)6]3+ and [Sc(H2O)6]3+ both are coloured in aqueous solution.
64. Correct statements about transition metals are that they :

(A) form complex (B) show variable oxidation states
(C) show magnetic properties (D) do not form coloured compounds
65. Transition elements have greater tendency to form complexes because they have :
(A) vacant d–orbitals (B) small size
(C) higher nuclear charge (D) variable oxidation states
66. Which of the following statements are correct when a mixture of NaCl and K2Cr2O7 is gently warmed with
conc. H2SO4 ?
(A) Deep red vapours are liberated
(B) Deep red vapours dissolve in NaOH (aq.)forming a yellow solution.
(C) Greenish yellow gas is liberated
(D) Deep red vapours dissolve in water forming yellow solution

67. Which of the following reaction(s) is/are incorrect for silver nitrate ?
(A) 6 AgNO3 + 3I2 (excess) + 3 H2O  AgIO3 + 5 AgI + 6HNO3
(B) AgNO3 (excess) + 2 KCN  K[Ag(CN)2] + KNO3
(C) 2AgNO3 + 4Na2S2O3(excess)  2Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + 2NaNO3
(D) PH3 + 6AgNO3 + 3H2O  6Ag + 6HNO3 + H3PO3
68. Which of the following reaction(s) is/are used for the preparation of anhydrous FeCl3 ?
(A) FeCl3 6H2O + 6SOCl2  FeCl3 + 12HCl + 6SO2
(B) Fe(OH)3  + 3HCl  FeCl3 + 3H2O
(C) 2Fe + 4HCl (aq.) + Cl2  2FeCl3 + 2H2
(D) 2Fe + 3Cl2(dry)  2FeCl3
69. Which of the following is/are false ?

(A) Na2Cr2O7 is used as a primary standard in volumetric analysis.
(B) Potassium permanganate in excess on treatment with conc. H2SO4 forms manganese heptoxide
(C) Phosphine, arsine and stibine all precipitates silver from silver nitrate
(D) From kipp's apparatus waste ferric sulphate and ferrous sulphate mixture is obtained when air or oxygen
is passed for longer time.
70. Which of the following chemical reaction(s) is/are involved in developing of photographic plate ?
(A) C6H4(OH)2 + 2AgBr  2Ag + C6H4O2 + 2HBr (B) AgBr + 2Na2S2O3  Na3 [Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr
(C) 2AgNO3 + Na2S2O3  Ag2S2O3 + 2NaNO3 (D) AgNO3 + KCN  AgCN + KNO3
71. Pyrolusite is MnO2 used to prepare KMnO4. Steps are :

I II
 MnO42–  MnO4–
MnO2 
Steps I and II are respectively :
(A) fuse with KOH / air, electrolytic oxidation
(B) fuse with KOH / KNO3 , electrolytic oxidation
(C) fuse with concentrated HNO3 / air, electrolytic reduction
(D) dissolve in H2O, oxidation
72. Which are correct statements ?

(A) In less acidic solution K2Cr2O7 and H2O2 gives violet coloured diamagnetic [CrO(O2)(OH)]– ion.
(B) In alkaline H2O2, K2CrO8 (with tetraperoxo species [Cr(O2)4]3–) is formed with K2Cr2O7.
(C) In ammonical solution of H2O2, (NH3)3CrO4 is formed with K2Cr2O7.
(D) CrO42– changes to Cr2O72– by oxidation.
73. When CO2 is passed into aqueous :

(A) Na2CrO4 solution, its yellow colour changes to orange.
(B) K2MnO4 solution, it disproportionates to KMnO4 and MnO2
(C) Na2Cr2O7 solution, its orange colour changes to green
(D) KMnO4 solution, its pink colour changes to green.
PART - II : SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. What is the general electronic configuration of transition elements.
2. Write the electronic configurations of the following ions.

(i) Mn2+ (ii) Fe3+ (iii) Ni2+ (iv) Cr3+
3. Name the d-block elements which do not have partially filled d-orbitals in their atoms or in their simple ions.
4. What is meant by the ‘lanthanide contraction’? Mention one important fact that can be considered as a
consequence of the lanthanide contraction.

5. Name the (i) lightest and the (ii) heaviest elements (in terms of density) among the transition elements.
6. Which element among d-block elements has (i) the lowest melting point and (ii) the highest melting point
7. Why zinc has lowest melting point in 3d series ?
8. Why are ionization energies of 5d - elements greater then those of 3d - elements ?
9. K2PtCl6 is a well known compound whereas corresponding Ni compound is not known. Explain.
10. Why do transition elements show variable oxidation state ?
11. What is the most common oxidation state of first transition series?
12. What is meant by disproportionation of an oxidation state ? Give an example.
13. Name the three factors which determine the stability of a particular oxidation state in solution.
14. Explain as to why the E value for the Mn3+ / Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Cr3+ /Cr2+ or
Fe3+/Fe2+.
15. Most of transition metals can displace hydrogen from dilute acids. Why ?
16. Element Cr Mn Fe
E° (M2+/M) – 0.90 V – 1.18 V – 0.4 V
E° (M3+/M2+) – 0.41 V + 1.57 V + 0.8 V
Use this data to comment upon
(i) The stability of Fe3+ and Mn2+ in acid solutions.
(ii) The ease with which iron can be oxidised as compared to the similar process for either Cr or Mn metals.
17. Which of the following ions would form (i) coloured and (ii) colourless complexes in water ?
Cu2+, Zn2+, Ti3+, Ti+4, Cd2+, Mn2+
18. Why Ti+4 complexes are diamagnetic ?
19. A substance is found to have a magnetic moment of 3.9 BM. How many unpaired electrons does it contain?
20. Why do Mn() show maximum paramagnetic character amongst the bivalent ions of the st transition series?
21. Explain giving Statement-2.

(a) Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.
(b) The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.
(c) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.
22. Explain why transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.
23. A transition metal forms alloys with other transition elements. Explain.
24. Describe the general characteristics of transition elements with special reference to the following :
(i) catalytic behaviour. (ii) complex formation. (iii) interstitial compounds.
25. What happens when CuSO4 solution is treated with

(i) excess of ammonia solution and (ii) K solution ?

26. What happens when silver nitrate solution is added to Na2S2O3 solution and then content is allowed to keep
for a longer period?
27. What reaction will take place if a silver coin is put in dilute HNO3 ?
28. Which type of reaction MnO42– shows with acid, dilute-alkali or water.
29. Why KMnO4 is stored in dark bottle and what happens to it's acidic solution ?
30. Why does AgNO3 produce a black stain on the skin ?
31. Why is AgBr used in photography ?
32. Why it is not advisable to dissolve KMnO4 in cold and concentrated H2SO4 ?
33. What happens when :

(a) Green vitriol is strongly heated.
(b) FeSO4 reacts with potassium ferricyanide.
(c) Fe2O3 is fused with soda ash.
(d) Salts of iron (III) reacts with NH4SCN.
(e) Zinc oxide and cobalt oxide is fused.
(f) Malachite is made to react with dilute H2SO4 .
(g) Copper sulphate is exposed to air for longer period.
(h) Lunar caustic is made to react with sodium hydroxide and then product is dried.
(i) Silver nitrate reacts with excess iodine.
(j) Potassium dichromate reacts with cold and concentrated H2SO4.
34. Complete and balance the following reactions :
OCH3
|
(a) FeSO4 + H2O + O2  (b) FeCl3 . 6H2O + CH3 – C – CH3 
|
OCH3

(c) Cu(OH)2 + NH4OH + (NH4)2SO4  (d) CuCl2 . 2H2O strong


(e) AgNO3 (excess) + 2 + H2O  (f) KMnO4 + Na2S2O3 + H2O 
Tempt  70 º C
(g) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + SO2 + H2O    

35. CrO(O2)2 is stable in pyridine. Explain ?
36. Write the formula of the compound formed by K2Cr2O7 in alkaline solution with 30% H2O2 :
37. Between Na+ and Ag+, which is stronger Lewis acid and why?
38. Why the highest oxidation state of a metal is exhibited in its oxide or fluoride only?
39. What may be the stable oxidation state of the transition element with the following d electron configurations
in the ground state of their atoms: 3d3, 3d5, 3d8 and 3d4?
40. Why are Mn2+ compounds more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to their +3 state?
41. How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non transition metals?
Illustrate with examples.

42. Which metal in the first series of transition metals exhibits +1 oxidation state most frequently and why?
43. The E (M2+/M) value for copper is positive (+0.34V). What is possibly the Statement-2 for this?
44. Why is the E value for the Mn3+ / Mn2+ couple much more positive than that for Cr3+ /Cr2+ or Fe3+/Fe2+?
Explain.
45. Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?
46. Explain why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?
47. The aqueous solution of FeCl3 is acidic. Why?
48. Ferric iodide is very unstable but ferric chloride is not.
49. Copper dissolves in dilute nitric acid but not in dilute HCl. Why?
50. Blue colour of CuSO4 solution is discharged slowly when an iron rod is dipped into it. Why?
51. Copper () salts are not known in aqueous solutions.
52. Calculate the number of unpaired electrons in the following gaseous ions: Mn3+, Cr3+, V3+ and Ti3+. Which one
of these is the most stable in aqueous solution?
53. Mercurous ion is written as Hg22+ whereas cuprous ion is written as Cu+. Explain.
54. Copper sulphate dissolves in NH4OH solution but FeSO4 does not.
55. An aqueous solution of inorganic compound (X) gives following reactions.

(i) With an aqueous solution of barium chloride a precipitate insoluble in dilute HCl is obtained.
(ii) Addition of excess of K gives a brown precipitate which turns white on addition of excess of hypo
solution.
(iii) With an aqueous solution of K4[Fe(CN)6], a brown coloured precipitate is obtained.
Identify (X) and give equations for the reaction for (i), (ii) and (iii) observations.
56. H2S gas is passed through an acidic solution of K2Cr2O7 . The solution turns milky, why?
57. What happens when (i) a small amount of KMnO4 is added to concentrated H2SO4 (ii) an excess amount of
KMnO4 is added to concentrated H2SO4 solution.
58. A hydrated metallic salt (A), light green in colour, on careful heating gives a white anhydrous residue (B), (B)
is soluble in water and its aqueous solution gives a dark blue precipitate (C) with potassium
hexacyanidoferrate(III). (B) on strong heating gives a brown residue (D) and a mixture of two gases (E) and
(F). The gaseous mixture when passed through acidified potassium dichromate, produces green colour
solution and when passed through lead acetate solution gave a white precipitate. Out of two gases (E) can
act as both reducing as well as oxidising agent.
(a) Identify (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) and give the reactions involved.
(b) Explain why salt (A) becomes white on heating.
59. A white substance (A) reacts with dilute H2SO4 to produce a colourless suffocating gas (B) and a colourless
solution (C). The reaction of gas (B) with potassium iodate and starch solution produces a blue colour
solution. Aqueous solution of (A) gives a white precipitate with BaCl2 solution which is soluble in dilute HCl.
Addition of aqueous NH3 or NaOH to (C) produces first a precipitate which dissolves in excess of the respective
reagent to produce a clear solution. Similarly addition of excess of potassium ferrocyanide to (C) produces
a precipitate (D) which also dissolves in aqueous NaOH giving a clear solution. Identify (A), (B), (C) and (D).
Write the equations of the reactions involved.
60. Write the balanced chemical equation for the following reaction :-
Nitrogen is obtained in the reaction of aqueous ammonia with potassium permanganate
61. Complete and / balance the following equation :

Ag2S + CuCl2 + Hg ..................+..................+ S + 2Ag

PART - I : IIT-JEE PROBLEMS (PREVIOUS YEARS)
* Marked Questions are having more than one correct option.

1. Amongst the following identify the species with an atom in +6 oxidation state. [JEE 2000, 3/35]
(A) MnO4– (B) Cr(CN)63– (C) NiF62– (D) CrO2Cl2
2. Write the balanced chemical equations for developing photographic films. [JEE 2000, 2/100]
3. In the standardization of Na2S2O3 using K2Cr2O7 by iodometry, the equivalent weight of K2Cr2O7 is :
(A) (molecular weight)/2, (molar mass)/2 (B) (molecular weight)/6
(C) (molecular weight)/3 (D) same as molecular weight [JEE 2001, 3/35]
4. Anhydrous ferric chloride is prepared by : [JEE 2002, 3/150]

(A) heating hydrated ferric chloride at a high temperature in a stream of air.
(B) heating metallic iron in a stream of dry chlorine.
(C) reaction of metallic iron with hydrochloric acid.
(D) reaction of metallic iron with nitric acid.
5. When MnO2 is fused with KOH, a coloured compound is formed. The product and its colour is :
[JEE 2003, 3/144]
(A) K2MnO4, green (B) Mn2O3, brown (C) Mn2O4, black (D) KMnO4, purple
6. The product of oxidation of – with MnO4– in alkaline medium is : [JEE 2004, 3/144]
(A) O3– (B) 2 (C) O– (D) O
4
–
7. The pair of compounds having metals in their highest oxidation state is : [JEE 2004, 3/144]
(A) MnO2, FeCl3 (B) [MnO4]– , CrO2Cl2
2–
(C) [Fe(CN)6] , [Co(CN)6]3– (D) [NiCl4]2– , [Ni(CO)4].
8. Which of the following pair of compounds is expected to exhibit same colour in aqueous solution ?
[JEE 2005, 3/84]
(A) FeCl3 , CuCl2 (B) VOCl2 , CuCl2 (C) VOCl2 , FeCl2 (D) FeCl2 , MnCl2
9. Give equations and describe the process for the developing of black and white photographic film. When
sodium thiosulphate solution is treated with acidic solution turns milky white. Give the half reaction of the
above described process. [JEE 2005, 4/60]
10.
Identify (A), (B) and MCl4. Also explain colour difference between MCl4 and (A). [JEE 2005, 4/60]

[JEE 2007, 6/162]
Column I Column II
(A) O 2  O 2  O 22 (p) Redox reaction
(B) CrO24  H  (q) One of the products has trigonal planar structure
(C) MnO 4  NO 2  H  (r) Dimeric bridged tetrahedral metal ion
(D) NO3  H2SO 4  Fe 2  (s) Disproportionation
12. Among the following, the coloured compound is : [JEE 2008, 3/163]
(A) CuCl (B) K3 [Cu(CN)4] (C) CuF2 (D) [Cu(CH3CN)4]BF4
13. The oxidation number of Mn in the product of alkaline oxidative fusion of MnO2 is. [JEE 2009, 4/160]
14. The equilibrium [JEE 2011]

2CuI Cu0 + CuII
in aqueous medium at 25ºC shifts towards the left in the presence of
(A) NO3– (B) Cl– (C) SCN– (D) CN–
PART - II : AIEEE PROBLEMS (PREVIOUS YEARS)
Marked Questions are having more than one correct option.

1. Number of electrons transferred in each case when KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent to give MnO2, Mn2+,
Mn(OH)3 and MnO42– are respectively : [AIEEE 2002]
(1) 3,5,4 and 1 (2) 4,3,1 and 5 (3) 1,3,4 and 5 (4) 5,4,3 and 1
2. Which of the following ions has the maximum magnetic moment? [AIEEE 2002]
(1) Mn2+ (2) Fe2+ (3) Ti2+ (4) Cr2+.
3. Most common oxidation state fo Ce (Cerium) are : [AIEEE 2002]

(1) +3, +4 (2) +2, +3 (3) +2, +4 (4) +3, +5
4. What would happen when a solution of potassium chromate is treated with an excess of dilute HNO3 ?
[AIEEE 2003]
(1) Cr2O72– and H2O are formed (2) CrO42– is reduced to +3 state of Cr
(3) CrO42– is oxidised to +7 state of Cr (4) Cr3+ and Cr2O72– are formed
5. Which one of the following nitrates will leaves behind a metal on strong heating ? [AIEEE 2003]
(1) Copper nitrate (2) Manganese nitrate (3) Silver nitrate (4) Ferric nitrate
6. The atomic numbers of V,Cr,Mn and Fe are respectively 23,24,25 and 26. Which one of these may be
expected to have the highest second ionization enthalpy ? [AIEEE 2003]
(1) Cr (2) Mn (3) Fe (4) V
7. Which of the following group of transition metals is called coinage metals ? [AIEEE 2003]
(1) Cu, Ag, Au (2) Ru, Rh, Pb (3) Fe, Co, Ni (4) Os. Ir, Pt
8. The number of d-electrons retained in Fe2+ (At. no. Fe = 26) ions are : [AIEEE 2003]
(1) 3 (2) 4 (3) 5 (4) 6

9. Ammonia forms the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4]2+ with copper ions in the alkaline solutions but not in acidic
solutions. What is the Statement-2 for it ? [AIEEE 2003]
(1) In acidic solutions hydration protects copper ions
(2) In acidic solutions protons co-ordinate with ammonia molecules forming NH4+ ions and NH3 molecules are
not available.
(3) In alkaline solutions insoluble Cu(OH)2 is precipitated which is soluble in excess of any alkali
(4) Copper hydroxide is an amphoteric substance.
10. The radius of La3+ (Atomic number of La = 57) is 1.06Å. Which one of the following given values will be
closest to the radius of Lu3+ (Atomic number of Lu = 71) ? [AIEEE 2003]
(1) 1.60Å (2) 1.40Å (3) 1.06Å (4) 0.85Å
11. Cerium (Z = 58) is an important member of the lanthanoide. Which of the following statement about cerium
is incorrect? [AIEEE 2004]
(1) The common oxidation state of cerium are +3 and +4.
(2) The +3 oxidation state of cerium is more stable than +4 oxidation state.
(3) The +4 oxidation state of cerium is not known in solution.
(4) Cerium (IV) acts as an oxidizing agent.
12. The lanthanide contraction is responsible for the fact that [AIEEE 2005]
(1) Zr and Y have about the same radius (2) Zr and Nb have similar oxidation state
(3) Zr and Hf have about the same radius (4) Zr and Zn have same oxidation state.
13. Which of the following factors may be regarded as the main cause of lanthanide contraction ?
(1) Greater shielding of 5d electrons by 4f electrons [AIEEE 2005]
(2) Poorer shielding of 5d electron by 4f electrons
(3) Effective shielding of one of 4f electrons by another in the sub-shell
(4) Poor shielding of one of 4f electron by another in the sub-shell.
14. The ‘‘spin-only’’ magnetic moment [in units of Bohr magneton, (B) of Ni2+ in aqueous solution would be
(atomic number of Ni = 28) [AIEEE 2006]
(1) 2.84 (2) 4.90 (3) 0 (4) 1.73
15. Lanthanoid contraction is caused due to : [AIEEE 2006]

(1) the appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 4ƒ electrons from the nuclear charge
(2) the appreciable shielding on outer electrons by 5ƒ electrons from the nuclear charge
(3) the same effective nuclear charge from Ce to Lu
(4) the imperfect shielding on outer electrons by 4f electrons from the nuclear charge
16. Identify the incorrect statement among the following. [AIEEE 2007, 3/120]
(1) The chemistry of various lanthanoids is very similar.
(2) 4f and 5f orbitals are equally shielded.
(3) d-block elements show irregular and erratic chemical properties among themselves.
(4) La and Lu have partially filled d orbitals and no other partially filled orbitals.
17. The actinoids exhibit more number of oxidation states in general than the lanthanoids. This is because
(1) The actinoids are more reactive than the lanthanoids. [AIEEE 2007, 3/120]
(2) The 5f orbitals extend farther from the nucleus than the 4f orbitals.
(3) The 5f orbitals are more buried than the 4f orbitals
(4) There is a similarity between 4f and 5f orbitals in their angular part of the wave function
18. Larger number of oxidation states are exhibited by the actinoids than those by the lanthanoids, the main
Statement-2 being [AIEEE 2008, 3/105]
(1) lesser energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals
(2) more energy difference between 5f and 6d than between 4f and 5d orbitals
(3) more reactive nature of the actinoids than the lanthanoids
(4) 4f orbitals more diffused than the 5f orbitals

19. In context with the transition elements, which of the following statements is incorrect ?
[AIEEE 2009, 4/144]
(1) In the highest oxidation states, the transition metal show basic character and form cationic complexes.
(2) In the highest oxidation states of the first five transition elements (Sc to Mn), all the 4s and 3d electrons
are used for bonding.
(3) Once the d5 configuration is exceeded, the tendency to involve all the 3d electrons in bonding decreases.
(4) In addition to the normal oxidation states, the zero oxidation state is also shown by these elements in
complexes.
20. Knowing that the Chemistry of lanthanoids (Ln) is dominated by its +3 oxidation state, which of the following
statement is incorrect ? [AIEEE 2009, 4/144]
(1) The ionic sizes of Ln (III) decrease in general with increasing atomic number.
(2) Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless.
(3) Ln (III) hydroxides are mainly basic in character
(4) Because of the large size of the Ln (III) ions the bonding in its compounds is predominently ionic in
character.
21. The correct order of EM

 2
/ M values with negative sign for the four successive elements Cr, Mn, Fe and Co is
[AIEEE 2010, 4/144]
(1) Mn > Cr > Fe > Co (2) Cr > Fe > Mn > Co (3) Fe > Mn > Cr > Co (4) Cr > Mn > Fe > Co
22. In context of the lanthanoids, which of the following statements is not correct ? [AIEEE 2011, 4/120]
(1) There is gradual decrease in the radii of the members with increasing atomic number in the series
(2) All the members exhibit +3 oxidation state.
(3) Because of similar properties the separation of lanthanoids is not easy
(4) Availability of 4f electrons results in the formation of compounds in +4 state for all the members of the
series
23. The outer electron configuration of Gd (Atomic N : 64) is : [AIEEE 2011, 4/144]
(1) af 3 5d5 6s2 (2) 4f 3 5d0 6s2 (3) 4f 4 5d4 6s2 (4) af 7 5d1 6s2
24. Iron exhibits + 2 and + 3 oxidation states. Which of the following statements about iron is incorrect ?
(1) Ferous oxide is more basic in nature than the ferric oxide. [AIEEE 2012, 4/120]
(2) Ferrous compounds are relatively more ionic than the corresponding ferric compounds.
(3) Ferrous compounds are less volatile than the corresponding ferric compounds.
(4) Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolysed than the corresponding ferric compounds.
25. Which of the following arrangement does not represent the correct order of the property stated against it?
[JEE Mains 2013]
2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
(1) V < Cr < Mn < Fe : paramagnetic behaviour
(2) Ni2+ < Co2+ < Fe2+ < Mn2+ : ionic size
(3) Co3+ < Fe3+ < Cr3+ < Sc3+ : stability in aqueous solution
(4) Sc < Ti < Cr < Mn : number of oxidation states

NCERT QUESTIONS
1. Write down the electronic configuration of :
(i) Cr3+ (ii) Pm3+ (iii) Cu+ (iv) Ce4+ (v) Co2+
2+ 2+
(vi) Lu (vii) Mn (viii) Th4+
2. Why are Mn2+ compounds more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to their + 3 state?
3. Explain briefly how +2 state becomes more and more stable in the first half of the first row transition elements
with increasing atomic number?
4. To what extent do the electronic configurations decide the stability of oxidation states in the first series of the
transition elements? Illustrate your answer with examples.
5. What may be the stable oxidation state of the transition element with the following d electron configurations
in the ground state of their atoms :
3d3, 3d5, 3d8 and 3d4?
6. Name the oxometal anions of the first series of the transition metals in which the metal exhibits the oxidation
state equal to its group number.
7. What are the characteristics of the transition elements and why are they called transition elements? Which
of the d-block elements may not be regarded as the transition elements?
8. In what way is the electronic configuration of the transition elements different from that of the non transition
elements?
9. Explain giving reasons :

(i) Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.
(ii) The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.
(iii) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.
(iv) Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.
10. What are interstitial compounds? Why are such compounds well known for transition metals?
11. How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non transition metals?
Illustrate with examples.
12. Describe the preparation of potassium dichromate from iron chromite ore. What is the effect of increasing pH
on a solution of potassium dichromate?
13. Describe the oxidising action of potassium dichromate and write the ionic equations for its reaction with :
(i) iodide (ii) iron(II) solution and (iii) H2S
17. Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate. How does the acidified permanganate solution react
with (i) iron(II) ions (ii) SO2 and (iii) oxalic acid?
Write the ionic equations for the reactions.
15. For M2+/M and M3+/M2+ systems the E values for some metals are as follows :
Cr2+/Cr – 0.9V Cr3/Cr2+ – 0.4 V
2+
Mn /Mn – 1.2V Mn3+/Mn2+ +1.5 V
Fe2+/Fe – 0.4V Fe3+/Fe2+ +0.8 V
Use this data to comment upon :
(i) the stability of Fe3+ in acid solution as compared to that of Cr3+ or Mn3+ and
(ii) the ease with which iron can be oxidised as compared to a similar process for either chromium or
manganese metal.

16. Predict which of the following will be coloured in aqueous solution?
Ti3+, V3+, Cu+, Sc3+, Mn2+, Fe3+ and Co2+. Give reasons for each.
17. Compare the stability of +2 oxidation state for the elements of the first transition series.
18. How would you account for the following :

(i) Of the d4 species, Cr2+ is strongly reducing while manganese(III) is strongly oxidising.
(ii) Cobalt(II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing reagents it is easily oxidised.
(iii) The d1 configuration is very unstable in ions.
19. Which metal in the first series of transition metals exhibits +1 oxidation state most frequently and why?
20. Calculate the number of unpaired electrons in the following gaseous ions :
Mn3+, Cr3+, V3+ and Ti3+. Which one of these is the most stable in aqueous solution?
21. Give examples and suggest reasons for the following features of the transition metal chemistry :
(i) The lowest oxide of transition metal is basic, the highest is amphoteric/acidic.
(ii) A transition metal exhibits highest oxidation state in oxides and fluorides.
(iii) The highest oxidation state is exhibited in oxoanions of a metal.
22. Indicate the steps in the preparation of :

(i) K2Cr2O7 from chromite ore. (ii) KMnO4 from pyrolusite ore.
23. What are inner transition elements? Decide which of the following atomic numbers are the atomic numbers
of the inner transition elements : 29, 59, 74, 95, 102, 104.
24. Compare the general characteristics of the first series of the transition metals with those of the second and
third series metals in the respective vertical columns. Give special emphasis on the following points :
(i) electronic configurations (ii) oxidation states
(iii) ionisation enthalpies and (iv) atomic sizes.
25. Write down the number of 3d electrons in each of the following ions :
Ti2+, V2+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+. Indicate how would you expect the five 3d orbitals to be
occupied for these hydrated ions (octahedral).
26. Comment on the statement that elements of the first transition series possess many properties different from
those of heavier transition elements.
27. What can be inferred from the magnetic moment values of the following complex species ?
Example Magnetic Moment (BM)
K4[Mn(CN)6) 2.2
2+
[Fe(H2O)6] 5.3
K2[MnCl4] 5.9

EXERCISE # 1
PART - I
A-1. (C) A-2. (C) A-3. (C) A-4. (B) A-5. (B) A-6.* (AC) B-1. (B)
B-2. (B) B-3. (D) B-4. (A) B-5. (C) B-6. (C) B-7. (A) B-8.* (ACD)
C-1. (A) C-2.* (ABC) D-1. (C) D-2. (B) D-3. (A) D-4. (C) D-5. (A)
D-6. (B) D-7. (A) D-8. (C) D-9. (D) D-10. (C) D-11. (B) D-12. (A)
D-13. (C) D-14. (C) D-15. (D) D-16. (C) D-17. (A) D-18. (D) D-19. (C)
D-20. (C) D-21.* (ABC) E-1. (D) E-2. (A) E-3. (D) E-4. (C) E-5.* (ABCD)
E-6. (A) F-1. (B) F-2. (B) F-3. (D) F-4. (B) F-5. (D) F-6. (D)
F-7. (D) F-8. (B) F-9. (D) F-10. (C) F-11. (A) F-12. (A) F-13. (A)
F-14. (D) F-15. (C) F-16. (A) F-17. (B) F-18. (A) F-19. (A) F-20. (B)
F-21. (D) F-22.* (ABC) F-23. (B) F-24. (B)
PART - II
1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (D) 7. (D)
8. (A) 9. (C) 10. (B) 11. (C)
12. (A  q, r, s) ; (B  p, q, r) ; (C  p, q, s) ; (D  q, r)
13. (A) - q, s ; (B) - r, s ; (C) - p, s ; (D) - p, s
14. (A  p, r, s) ; (B  p, r, s) ; (C  r, s) : (D  q, r, s).
15. (A) 16. (A) 17. (A) 18. (D) 19. (B) 20. (B) 21. (B)
22. (A) 23. (A) 24. (B) 25. (A) 26. (A) 27. (A) 28. (A)
29. (C) 30. (B) 31. (D) 32. (C) 33. (B) 34. (A) 35. (A)
36. (A) 37. (A) 38. (B) 39. (C) 40. (B) 41. (A)
42. unpaired electron(s). 43. [Cu(NH3)4] (OH)2 . 44. disproportionation
45. sulphate 46. Alnico 47. Chromate 48. Iodine 49. CuO
50. Silver acetylide (Ag2 C2) 51. SO2, SO3 . 52. Cu2O 53. MnO4 , MnO2 ,
–
EXERCISE # 2
PART - I
1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (C) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (D) 7. (D)
8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (A) 11. (C) 12. (C) 13. (A) 14. (B)
15. (D) 16. (D) 17. (A) 18. (A) 19. (A) 20. (A) 21. (A)
22. (A) 23. (C) 24. (A) 25. (C) 26. (B) 27. (B) 28. (C)
29. (C) 30. (D) 31. (C) 32. (A) 33. (D) 34. (C) 35. (B)
36. (C) 37. (C) 38. (B) 39. (A) 40. (C) 41. (C) 42. (D)
43. (D) 44. (A) 45. (B) 46. (A) 47. (A) 48. (C) 49. (A)
50. (C) 51. (A) 52. (B) 53. (A) 54. (A) 55. (C) 56. (C)
57. (B) 58. (AD) 59. (ABCD) 60. (AB) 61. (ABD) 62. (D) 63. (B)
64. (ABC) 65. (ABC) 66. (ABD) 67. (AB) 68. (AD) 69. (A) 70. (AB)
71. (AB) 72. (ABC) 73. (AB)
PART - II
1–10 1–2
1. (n–1) d ns (palladium is exception) ; [Kr]36 4d10 5s0.
2. (i) [Ar] 3d5 4s0 (ii) [Ar] 3d5 4s0 (iii) [Ar] 3d8 4s0 (iv) [Ar] 3d3 4s0
3. Zn, Cd and Hg have (n – 1) d10 ns2 electron configuration in their atoms and (n – 1) d10 ns0 electron configuration
in their most stable simple ions i.e. M2+. So they do not have partially filled d-orbitals in their atoms or in their
simple ions.
4. Lanthanide contraction phenomenon is associated with the intervention of the 4f orbitals which must be filled
before the 5d series of elements begin. The filling of 4f before 5d orbital results in a regular decrease in
atomic radii called Lanthanoid contraction. This essentially compensates for the expected increase in
atomic size with increasing atomic number. The net result of the lanthanoid contraction is that the second
and the third d-series exhibit similar radii and have very similar physical and chemical properties.

5. (i) Sc (ii) Os or r
6. (i) As Hg has weakest interatomic interaction on account of no unpaired electrons, (n–1) d10 ns2 available for
bonding.
(ii) As W has highest interatomic interaction on account of more number of unpaired electrons, (n–1) d5 ns1
available for bonding.
7. In case of zinc, no electrons from 3d-orbitals are involved in the formation of metallic bonds.
8. In the 5d series, after lanthanum (Z = 57), there is lanthanide contraction. As a result, in each group the
atomic size of 5d element is small and its nuclear charge is large. Hence the ionisation energies of 5d
elements are large than 3d elements.
9. This is because Pt4+ is more stable than Ni4+ as the sum of four ionisation energies of Pt is less than those
of Ni.
10. The energies of (n–1) d orbitals and ns orbitals are very close. Hence, electrons from both can
participate in bonding.
11. +2
12. When a particular oxidation state becomes less stable relative to other oxidation states, one lower, one
higher. It is said to undergo disproportionation, e.g., 3MnVIO42– + 4H+  2 MnVII O4– + MnIVO2 + 2H2O
Mn (VI) is unstable relative to Mn (VII) and Mn (IV).
13. (i) enthalpy of sublimation (ii) ionisation energy (iii) enthalpy of hydration
14. Much larger third ionisation energy of Mn (change from 3d5 to 3d4) is responsible for this. This also explains
why the +3 state of Mn is of little importance.
15. Because most of the transition metals have negative oxidation potential and lie above hydrogen in
electrochemical series.
16. (i) The comparatively high value for Mn shows that Mn2+(d5) is particularly stable, whereas comparatively low
value for Fe shows the extra stability of Fe3+ (d5).
(ii) The order of getting oxidised is Mn > Cr > Fe.
17. (i) Ti3+ (3d1), Cu2+ (3d9) and Mn2+ (3d5) have unpaired electron(s). Thus they are coloured due to d-d transition
of electron according to CFT.
(ii) Zn2+(3d10) , Ti+4 (3d0) and Cd2+ (4d10) do not have unpaired electron(s). Thus they do not under go d-d
transition of electron according to CFT and, therefore, are colourless.
18. Electronic configuration of 22Ti4+ is [Ar]18 3d°4s°. So all electrons are paired and thus its all complexes are
diamagnetic.
19. B(3.9) = , n = 3
20. Mn2+ has maximum number of unpaired electrons i.e. 3d5.
21. (a) As metal ions generally contain one or more unpaired electrons in them & hence their complexes are
generally paramagnetic
(b) Because of having larger no of unpaired electrons in their atoms, they have stronger interatomic interaction
and hence stronger bonding between the atoms.
(c) May be attributed to the presence of unpaired electrons (d-d transition in most of the compounds)
22. The transition metals form reaction intermediates due to the presence of vacant orbitals or their tendency to
form variable oxidation states. These intermediates give reaction paths of lower activation energy and, therefore,
increase the rate of the reaction. These reaction intermediates readily decompose yielding the products and
regenerating the original substance.

23. Transition metals form a large number of alloys. The transition metals are quite similar in size and, therefore,
the atoms of one metal can substitute the atoms of other metal in its crystal lattice. Thus, on cooling a
mixture solution of two or more transition metals, solid alloys are formed.
24. (i) The transition metals form reaction intermediates due to the presence of vacant orbitals or their tendency
to form variable oxidation states. These intermediates give reaction paths of lower activation energy and,
therefore, increase the rate of the reaction. These reaction intermediates readily decompose yielding the
products and regenerating the original substance.
(ii) The transition elements form a large number of coordination complexes. The transition metal ions bind to
a number of anions or neutral molecules in these complexes. The great tendency of transition metal ions to
form complexes is due to (i) small size of the atoms and ions, (ii) high nuclear charge and (iii) availability of
vacant d-orbitals of suitable energy to accept lone pairs of electrons donated by ligands.
(iii) Transition metals form interstitial compounds with elements such as hydrogen, boron, carbon and nitrogen.
The small atoms of these non-metallic elements (H, B, C, N, etc.) get trapped in vacant spaces of the
lattices of the transition metal atoms.
As a result of the filling up of the interstitial spaces, the transition metals become rigid and hard. These
interstitial compounds have similar chemical properties as the parent metals but differ significantly in their
physical properties particularly, density, hardness and conductivity.
25. (i) CuSO4 + 4NH4OH  [Cu(NH3)4] SO4 (blue colour complex) + 4H2O
(ii) CuSO4 + 2K  Cu 2 + K2SO4
2Cu2  Cu22 (white ) + 2 (violet vapour)
26. White precipitate of Ag2S2O3 is obtained which turns yellow, brown and finally black on keeping.
2AgNO3 + Na2S2O3  Ag2S2O3 (white) + 2NaNO3
Ag2S2O3 + H2O  Ag2S (black) H2SO4
27. 3Ag + 4HNO3  3AgNO3 + NO+ 2H2O
28. It is unstable in acidic medium and disproportionates.

3MnO42– + 4H+  MnO2 + 2MnO4– + 2H2O
3MnO42– + 2H2O  2MnO4– + MnO2 + 4OH–
29. MnO4– solutions are intrinsically unstable in acidic solutions and decompose slowly. This decomposition is
catalysed by sun light. This is the Statement-2 for which KMnO4 solution is kept in dark bottles.
h
4MnO4– + 4H+ 
 4MnO2 + 3O2 + 2H2O
30. In presence of organic matter (skin) and light, AgNO3 decomposes to produce a black stain of metallic silver.
2AgNO3  2Ag + 2NO2 + O2
31. Out of all silver halides, AgBr is most sensitive to light and under goes photo reduction to metallic silver
instantaneously on exposure to light.
2AgBr  2Ag + Br2
Unexposed AgBr can be dissolved out in hypo (Na2S2O3) solution.
AgBr + 2Na2S2O3  Na3 [Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr..
32. Because explosive Mn2O7 is formed.

2KMnO4 + 2H2SO4  Mn2O7 + 2KHSO4 + H2O
2Mn2O7  4MnO2 + 3O2

300 º C high
33. (a) FeSO4.7H2O  FeSO4  Fe O + SO + SO
2 3 2 3
– 7H2O tempt
(b) 3FeSO4 + 2K3 [Fe(CN)6]  Fe3 [Fe(CN)6]2 + 3K2SO4

(c) Fe2O3 + Na2CO3  2NaFeO2 + CO2
(d) Fe(III) + 3NH4SCN  [Fe (SCN)3] + 3 NH4+
(e) ZnO + CoO  CoZnO2 (Rinmann's green)
(f) CuCO3 . Cu(OH)2 + 2H2SO4  2CuSO4 + 3H2O + CO2 
air
(g) CuSO4 . 5H2O   CuSO4 .3H2O
effloresce s
(h) 2AgNO3 + 2NaOH  Ag2O  (black) + 2NaNO3 + H2O

(i) 5AgNO3 + 32 (excess) + H2O  HO3 + 5Ag  (yellow) + 5HNO3
(j) K2Cr2O7 + 2H2SO4 (conc & cold)  2CrO3 (red) + 2KHSO4 + H2O
34. (a) 4FeSO4 + 2H2O + O2  4Fe (OH). SO4
OCH3
|
(b) FeCl3 . 6H2O + 6 CH3 – C – CH3  FeCl3 +12 CH3OH + 6CH3COCH3
|
OCH3
(c) Cu(OH)2 + 2NH4OH + (NH4)2SO4  [Cu(NH3)4 ]SO4 (Switzer reagent) + 4H2O

(d) 3CuCl2 . 2H2O 
strong CuO + Cu2Cl2 + 2HCl + Cl2 + H2O



3CuCl2 . 2H2O 
 CuO + Cu Cl + 2HCl + Cl + H O
izcy 2 2 2 2
(e) 6AgNO3 + 32 + 3H2O  AgO3 + 5Ag6HNO3

(f) 8MnO4– + 3S2O32– + H2O  8MnO2 + 6SO42– + 2OH–
(g) K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + 3SO2 + 23H2O Tempt

   70ºC
 K2SO4 . Cr2(SO4)3 . 24H2O
35. It forms adducts with pyridine CrO(O2)2.
36. K3CrO8.
37. Ag+ is a stronger Lewis acid as it has pseudo inert gas configuration (high polarising power due to less
screening effect of inner d–electrons) whereas Na+ is a weaker acid as it has inert gas configuration (less
polarising power).
38. Because of small size and high electronegativity of oxygen and fluorine, they can oxidise the metal to its
highest oxidation state.
39. Stable oxidation states :

Vanadium = 3d3 : (+2), +3, +4 and +5
Chromium = 3d5 : +3, +4, +6
Manganese = 3d5 : +2, +4, +6, +7
Cobalt = 3d8 : +2, +3 (In complex)
In groud state for 3d4 configuration no one metal occur.
40. It is because Mn2+ has 3d5 configuration which has extra stability.

41. In transition elements the oxidation states vary from +1 to any highest oxidation state by one. For example,
for manganese it may vary as +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7. In the non-transition elements the variation is selective,
always differing by 2, e.g. +2, +4 or +3, +5 or +4, +6 etc.
42. Copper, because with +1 oxidation state an extra stable configuration, 3d10 results.
43. Consider its high aH and low hydH
44. Much larger third ionisation energy of Mn (where the required change is d5 to d4) is mainly responsible for
this. This also explains why the +3 state of Mn is of little importance.
45. Cr2+ is stronger reducing agent than Fe2+.

Change from d4 to d3 occurs in case of Cr2+ to Cr3+ but from d6 to d5 occurs in case of Fe2+ to Fe3+. In a
medium (like water) d3 is more stable as compared to d5 according to CFSE (CFSE for octahedral spliting in
case of d3 is –1.2 o while for d5 is 0).
46. 2Cu+(aq)  Cu2+(aq) + Cu(s)

The Eº value for this is favourable.
47. FeCl3 hydrolyses in water to form acidic solution.

FeCl3 + 3H2O  Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl
or Fe3+ + 3H2O  Fe(OH)3 + 3H+
48. – ion is a stronger reducing agent in comparison to Cl– ion. Fe3+ is easily reduced by iodide ion.
2Fe3+ + 2–  2Fe2+ + 2
49. Copper has less standard oxidation potential (Eop° ) than H and thus cannot liberate H2 from acids. However,
it dissolves in nitric acid because HNO3 is strong oxidant.
3Cu + 8HNO3 (dilute)  3Cu (NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO
50. Iron has more E°op than Cu and thus liberated Cu2+ ions from solution to discharge blue colour.
Fe + CuSO4  FeSO4 + Cu
51. Cu() salts undergo disproportionation in aqueous solution.

2Cu+  Cu2+ + Cu
52. The electron configuration of Mn3+ is [Ar]18 3d4 so n = 4; The electron configuration of Cr3+ is [Ar]18 3d3 so n = 3;
The electron configuration of V3+ is [Ar]18 3d2 so n = 2; The electron configuration of Ti3+ is [Ar]18 3d1 so n = 1.
Cr3+ is most stable in aqueous solution because it has half filled t32g energy level of 3d orbitals in octahedral
crystal field spliting and according to crystal field theory (CFT) it has highest value of CFSE i.e. –1.2 O.
53. Hg+ has [Xe] 4 f14 5d10 6s1 configuration and thus Hg+ ion should be paramagnetic due to one unpaired
electron but Hg+ ions show diamagnetic nature and for this it exists as Hg22+ by sharing of one electron each.
Cuprous ions are diamagnetic with [Ar] 3d10 configuration and so written as Cu+.
54. Copper sulphate dissolves in the ammonium hydroxide due to formation of a copper complex. Ferrous
sulphate reacts with NH4OH to form insoluble Fe(OH)2 . It does not form any complex with NH4OH.
CuSO4 + 4NH4OH  [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 + 4H2O
Deep blue solution
FeSO4 + 2NH4OH  Fe(OH)2 + (NH4)2 SO4
Insoluble
55. X = CuSO4

56. H2S is oxidised to colloidal sulphur (milky) by K2Cr2O7.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S  K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 7H2O + 3S Colloidal (milky)
57. (i) KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  K+ + MnO3+ (green) (gjk) + 3HSO4– + H3O+
1
2MnO3+ + Na2CO3  2MnO3 + CO2 + O + 2Na+
2 2
(ii) 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4  2KHSO4 + (MnO3)2SO4 + 2H2O
(MnO3)2SO4 + H2O  Mn2O7 + H2SO4
58. (a) FeSO4.7H2O (green)  FeSO4 + 7H2O

(A) (B)
Fe2+ (aq) + [Fe(CN)6]3– (aq)  Fe3+ (aq) + [Fe(CN)6]4– (aq)
(B)
4Fe3+ (aq) + 3[Fe(CN)6]4– (aq)  Fe4 [Fe(CN)6]3  (Turnbull’s blue-(C))

2FeSO4  Fe2O3 + SO2  + SO3 
strong
(B) (D) (E) (F)
3SO2 + Cr2O72– + 2H+  2Cr3+ (green solution) + 3SO42– + H2O

(E)
SO3 + H2O  H2SO4
Pb2+ + SO42–  PbSO4  (white)
(b) According to CFT there is no d-d transition of electrons in absence of ligands in anhydrous ferrous
sulphate.
59. ZnSO3 + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + SO2  + H2O

(A) (C) (B)
5SO2 + 2O3– + 4H2O  2 + 5SO42– + 8H+
2 + starch solution  blue colour solution.
SO32– + Ba2+  BaSO3  (white)
BaSO3 + 2H+  Ba2+ + SO2 + H2O
Zn2+ + 2OH–  Zn(OH)2  (white)
Zn (OH)2 + 2OH–  [Zn(OH)4]2–
Zn2+ + 2NH3 + 2H2O  Zn(OH)2  + 2NH4+
Zn(OH)2  + 4NH3  [Zn(NH3)4 ]2+ + 2OH–
3Zn2+ + 2K+ + 2[Fe(CN)6]4–  K2Zn3 [Fe(CN)6 ]2 
K2Zn3 [Fe(CN)6]2 + 12OH–  2[Fe(CN)6]4– + 3[Zn(OH)4]2– + 2K+.
60. 2KMnO4 + 2NH3 

 2MnO2 + 2KOH + 2H2O + N2
61. Ag2S + 2CuCl2 + 2Hg  Hg2Cl2 + 2CuCl + S + 2Ag.
EXERCISE # 3
PART - I
1. (D)
2. C6H4(OH)2 + 2AgBr  2Ag + C6H4O2 + 2HBr..
AgBr + 2Na2S2O3   Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr..
3. (B) 4. (B) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (B)

9. Developer is usually a weak reducing agent like potassium ferrous oxalate, an alkaline solution of pyrogallol
or an alkaline solution of quinol.
In the process of development of the photographic film, the exposed/activated AgBr grains are preferentially
reduced by one of the reducing agent described above.
HO HO  O O + 2e– + 2H+
Hydroquinone Quinone
AgBr + e–  Ag(s) + Br–
The photographic film is then fixed by washing with hypo solution to remove the unreduced AgBr grains from
the film.
AgBr + 2Na2S2O3  Na3[Ag(S2O3)2] + NaBr..
S2O32– + H2O  2SO2 + 2H+ + 4e–.
S2O32– + 6H+  2S  (white milky) + 3H2O.
10. (A) is TiCl4 as it has no unpaired electron and is liguid at room temperature on account of covalent character
because of high polarising power of Ti+4. TiCl4 being covalent gets hydrolysed forming TiO2(H2O)2 and HCl (B)
which fumes in air.
In [Ti(H2O)6]Cl3 complex Ti(III) has one unpaired electron(3d1) which gives violet / purple colour due to
d-d transition.
11. A – p, s ; B – r; C – p, q ; D – p.
12. (C) 13. 6 14. (BCD)
PART - II
1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (3) 6. (1) 7. (1)
8. (4) 9. (2) 10. (4) 11. (3) 12. (3) 13. (4) 14. (1)
15. (4) 16. (2) 17. (2) 18. (1) 19. (1) 20. (2) 21. (1)
22. (4) 23. (4) 24. (4) 25. (1)
EXERCISE # 4
1. Silver (Z = 47) can exhibit +2 oxidation state wherein it will have incompletely filled d-orbitals (4d), hence a
transition element.
2. In the formation of metallic bonds, no eletrons from 3d-orbitals are involved in case of zinc, while in all other
metals of the 3d series, electrons from the d-orbitals are always involved in the formation of metallic bonds.
3. Manganese (Z = 25), as its atom has the maximum number of unpaired electrons.
5. Irregular variation of ionisation enthalpies is mainly attributed to varying degree of stability of different
3d-configurations (e.g., d0, d5, d10 are exceptionally stable).
6. Because of small size and high electronegativity oxygen or fluorine can oxidise the metal to its highest
oxidation state.
8. Cu+ in aqueous solution underoes disproportionation, i.e.,

2Cu+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + Cu(s)
The E value for this is favourable.


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d-Block Elements

Name : ____________________________ Contact No. __________________

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This phenomenon is associated with the intervention of the 4f orbitals

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Graph showing Trends in enthalpies of atomisation of transition elements

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Oxidation states given in parenthesis are unstable.

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These values reveal the following facts :

showing electronic transition from t2g to eg orbitals.

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(iv) It acts as reducing agent.

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(ii) Fe2O3 + 3H2  2Fe + 3H2O

Ferric Chloride, FeCl3 :

(b) Hydrated FeCl3 :

[Fe(H2O)4Cl2]Cl . 2H2O and O  FeCl3 respectively..

It is sublimed at 300°C giving a dimeric gas, .

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[C] COMPOUNDS OF COPPER

(i) 2CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O + 2KI  CuI2 + 2H2SO4 + K2SO4

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2AgBr(s) + 2OH–(aq) + HO OH (aq)  2Ag(s) + 2H2O() + O O + 2Br–

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(c) In neutral/ faintly alkaline solution thiosulphate is quantitatively oxidised to sulphate.

(a) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts.

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(b) Ferrous salts are oxidised to ferric salts :

(c) Sulphites are oxidised to sulphates :

(d) H2S is oxidised to sulphur :

(e) SO2 is oxidised to H2SO4 :

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* Marked Questions are having more than one correct option.

A-1. The transition elements have a general electronic configuration :

A-2. Which of the following is a correct statements -

Section (B) : Ionization enthalpy and oxidation state.

B-3. The highest oxidation state achieved by a transition metal is given by -

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B-5. Which of the following statements is correct ?

B-6. Ionisation energies of Ni and Pt in kJ mol–1 are given below.

B-7. Maximum oxidation sate is shown by :

B-8.* The less stable oxidation states of Cr are :

Section (C) : Electrode potential and chemical reactivity.

C-2.* Which of the following statements are correct ?

Section (D) : Magnetic properties, formation of coloured ions

D-4. Which of the following has maximum magnetic moment -

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D-6. Ti+2 and Ni2+ contain -

D-7. Which of the following is diamagnetic -

D-10. The magnetic moment of 25

D-11. Which of the following group of ions is paramagnetic in nature :

D-13. Which of the following is not a characteristic property of transition metal -

D-14. The colour of transition metal ions is attributed to :

Name : __________ Contact No.