Transition Elements
What are the general properties of transition metals?
- Transition metals are found in the centre of the Periodic Table
- They display typical metallic properties:
- They have high melting and boiling points
- They are malleable (can be hammered into shape)
- They have a high density
- They conduct electricity and heat
- In addition to these, transition metals have some other properties:
- They form coloured compounds
- They can form more than one type of ion
- E.g. Iron can form Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions
- The are useful as catalysts
- They speed up the rate of a chemical reaction in industrial processes
- Iron is used as a catalyst in the Haber process to manufacture ammonia
- Platinum is also used in car exhausts in catalytic converters to reduce the levels of nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide produced
The transition metals
The transition elements on the Periodic Table are highlighted in blue
Higher Tier
- Transition metals can form more than one ion and their compounds are often coloured
- For example, copper(II) sulfate contains Cu2+ ions, and is a blue compound
Copper(II) sulfate crystals
Photo by Wikimedia commons
Table of ions and their colours
| Ion | Colour of compounds |
| Fe2+ | Pale green |
| Fe3+ | Brown |
| Cu2+ | Blue |
Exam Tip
If you are higher tier, be specific when giving the colours of the compounds and solutions formed by the ions referenced above.
Stating that Fe2+ ions form 'green solutions' might not get the mark, as the specification states 'pale green.'
