8.

The d and f Block Elements

Elements from 3rd group to 12th group in the Modern Periodic table are called d-block elements.
In these elements their last electron enters in the penultimate d- sub shell. They are placed in between s-
block and p-block elements. They show a regular transition from the highly electropositive metals of s-
block elements to the less electropositive p-block elements. So they are called transition elements.
Transition elements can be defined as elements which contain partially filled d orbitals in their
atomic state or in any of their oxidation state. This definition does not include Zn, Cd and Hg. So they are
not regarded as transition elements. Or, they are called pseudo transition elements.
There are four series of transition elements.
1) 3d series [from Sc (z = 21) to Zn (z = 30)]
2) 4d series [from Y (z = 39) to Cd (z = 48)]
3) 5d series [from La (z =57), Hf (z = 72) to Hg (z=80)]
4) 6d series [from Ac (z=89), Rf (z=104) to Cp (z=112)]
Electronic Configuration
General outer electronic configuration of d-block elements is (n-1) d1-10 ns1-2. There is only a small
difference in energy between (n-1)d orbital and ns orbital. So in some cases ns electrons are also
transferred to (n-1)d level.
The electronic configurations of Cr and Cu in the 3d series show some exceptions.
5 1
24Cr – [Ar] 3d 4s
29Cu – [Ar] 3d10 4s1
This is due to the extra stability of half-filled and completely-filled electronic configurations. (d5 or d10)
The electronic configurations of Zn, Cd and Hg are represented by the general formula (n-1)d10 ns2.
The orbitals in these elements are completely filled in the ground state as well as in their common
oxidation states. So they are not regarded as transition elements.
General characteristics of transition elements
1. Atomic and ionic radii
In a given transition series, the atomic and ionic radii first decreases, then become constant and
increases towards the end of the series. This is because in transition elements the new electron enters in
a d orbital. Initially since there is a few numbers of d electrons, the shielding effect is very poor. As the
atomic number increases, the nuclear charge also increases, so the atomic radius decreases. Towards the
middle of the series, the increase in nuclear charge is balanced by the shielding effect and so the atomic
radius becomes constant. Towards the end of the series, as the e- - e- repulsion increases the atomic
radius also increases
The atomic and ionic radii of 2nd and 3rd row transition metals are quite similar. This is due to the
Lanthanide contraction. In between the 2nd and 3rd row transition elements, 4f electrons are present. The
4f electrons have very poor shielding effect and as a result the atomic and ionic radii of Lanthanides
decrease from left to right (Lanthanide contraction).
2. Melting and boiling points
In a given transition series the melting and boiling points 1st increases up to the middle and then
decreases. This can be explained in terms of metallic bond strength which depends on the number of
unpaired electrons. As the number of unpaired electron increases, the metallic bond strength increases.
Hence the melting point also increases.
In a given transition series, the number of unpaired electrons increases up to the middle and then
decreases.
Another factor which affects the m.p is heat of atomization. Mn and Tc have low melting point
even though they have d5 configuration. This is because of their low heat of atomization.

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 1

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 The m.ps of second and third row transition series is higher than that of the first row due to their
higher enthalpies of atomization.
3. Ionisation enthalpy
The ionisation enthalpy of transition elements generally increases from left to right. This is
due to increase in nuclear charge. But the increase is not regular. This can be explained as follows.
After the removal of one electron, the relative energies of 4s and 3d orbitals get changed.
Hence the remaining electron in the 4S level is transferred to 3d level. So the unipositive ions have d n
configuration with no 4s electrons. During this re-organisation of electrons, some energy is released and it
is known as exchange energy. So the net energy required to remove the 1 st electrons is equal to the sum
of ionisation enthalpy and exchange energy.
The first ionisation enthalpies of Cr and Cu are low. This is because the removal of one
electron does not change their d configuration. Similarly first ionisation enthalpy of Zn is high because
after the removal of one electron there is no change in the d configuration
Zn → Zn+ + e-
3d104s2 3d104s1
The 2 I.E of Cr and Cu are very high. This is because the removal of one more e- from these
nd

metals disrupted their stable configuration (d5 or d10)

The 2nd I.Es of Mn and Zn are low, this is because after the removal of one more electron,
they attain the stable half filled or completely filled electronic configuration.
4. Oxidation State
Transition metals show variable oxidation states. This is because in these elements d and s electrons
have comparable energies. So in chemical reaction along with s-electrons, d-electrons also participate. In a
given transition series, the maximum oxidation state increases up to the middle and then decreases. This is
due to the half-filled or noble gas configuration. The common oxidation state of 1 st row transition
elements is +2. The maximum oxidation state increases from top to bottom in a group. In lower oxidation
state, the transition element mainly forms ionic compounds.
Sc generally shows +3 oxidation state because after the removal of 3 electrons, it gets a stable
noble gas configuration. The oxidation state of Zn is +2 because of the completely filled configuration of
Zn2+.
5. Electrode Potential
The electrode potential values of first row transition series generally increases from left to right with
some exceptions. The E0(Cu2+/Cu) is positive (+0.34V), while the E0 values of all the other first row
transition elements are –ve. This is because the high energy to transform Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) is not balanced
by its hydration enthalpy. So Cu does not easily reacts with acid and liberate H 2. Only oxidizing acids
[HNO3 and hot Conc. H2SO4] react with Cu and the acid get reduced.
Along the series the E0 values become less –ve due to the increase in the sum of 1st and 2nd ionisation
enthalpies. The E0 values of Mn2+ and Zn2+ are more –ve, this is because of the half filled configuration of
Mn2+ (d5) and completely filled configuration of Zn2+ (d10). E0(M3+/M2+ ) value of Sc is very low and that for
Zn is very high. This is because of their stable electronic configuration.
E0 (Mn3+/Mn2+) is high because of the stable half filled configuration of Mn 2+. Similarly
E0 (Fe2+/Fe3+) is low, this is because after the removal of one electron from Fe 2+, it gets a stable electronic
configuration.
Fe2+ → Fe3+ + e-
3d6 3d5
Q. Explain why Cu+ is not stable in aqueous solution?
This is due to the much more –ve hydration enthalpy of Cu2+ (aq) than Cu+. In the case of Cu2+, the
hydration enthalpy is more compensated by ionisation enthalpy than in Cu +.

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 2

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 6. Magnetic Properties
Transition metals show mainly two types of magnetic properties- paramagnetism and
diamagnetism. Some transition metals also show ferromagnetism which is an extreme case of
paramagnetism.
Paramagnetism arises from the presence of unpaired electrons. Each unpaired e- is associated with
a spin magnetic moment and an orbital magnetic moment. For the compounds of 1st row transition
elements, the contribution of orbital magnetic moment is effectively cancelled and so only spin magnetic
moment is considered. It is determined by the no. of unpaired e -s and is calculated by the spin only
formula:
µs = √n(n+2) where n is the no. of unpaired electrons and µs is the spin only magnetic moment in
the unit of Bohr Magneton (B.M).
The magnetic moment increases with increase in no. of unpaired e-s. Thus the observed magnetic
moment gives an idea about the no. of unpaired e-s present in the atom or ion.

7. Formation of coloured ions or compounds

Most of the Transition metals ions or compounds are coloured. This is because of the presence of
partially filled d orbitals. When an electron from a lower energy d orbital is exited to higher d level, it
absorbs energy and this is equal to the energy of certain colours in visible region. So the colour observed
is the complementary colour of the light absorbed.
In aqueous solution most of the Transition metal ions are coloured since water molecules act as
the ligands.
Among Ti2+ and Ti4+, Ti2+ is coloured while Ti4+ is colourless. This is because Ti4+ has no partially
filled d orbitals.
Ti2+ - [Ar] 3d2 Ti4+ - [Ar] 3d0
Similarly among Cu+ and Cu2+, Cu2+ is coloured while Cu+ is colourless. This is due to the lack
(absence) of partially filled d orbitals in Cu+.

8. Formation of Complexes
Transition metals form a large no. of complexes. This is due to:
1. Comparatively smaller size
2. High ionic charge
3. Presence of partially filled d orbitals
4. Ability to show variable oxidation state
Eg: K4[Fe(CN)6], K3[Fe(CN)6], [Ni(CO)4] etc.
9. Catalytic Property
Transition metals act as catalysts in a large no. of chemical reactions. This is due to their large surface
area and their ability to show variable oxidation state.
10. Interstitial Compound Formation
These are formed when smaller atoms like H, N, C, B etc. are trapped inside the crystal lattice of the
metal. They are usually non-stoichiometric and neither typically ionic nor covalent.
E.g.: Fe3H, Mn4N, TiC, VH0.56, TiH1.7 etc.
Some the properties of these compounds are:
1) They have high melting point.
2) They are very hard.
3) They retain metallic conductivity.
4) They are chemically inert.

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 3

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 11. Alloy Formation
Alloys are homogeneous solid solutions of elements in which at least one element is a metal. They
are formed by atoms with metallic radii within about 15% of each other. Because of similar radii and
other characteristics of Transition metals, they readily form alloys. The alloys formed are hard and have
high m.p. e.g.: Bronze (Cu, Sn), Brass (Cu, Zn), Stainless steel (Fe, C, Ni, Mn and Cr) etc.
Some Important Compounds of Transition Elements
1. Potassium dichromate ( K2Cr2O7)
Potassium dichromate is generally prepared from chromite ore (FeCr2O4) by the following three steps.
1. Conversion of chromite ore to sodium chromate
Chromite ore is first fused with sodium carbonate in presence of air to form sodium chromate.
4 FeCr2O4 + 8 Na2CO3 + 7 O2 → 8 Na2CrO4 + 2 Fe2O3 + 8 CO2
2. Acidification of sodium chromate to sodium dichromate
The yellow solution of sodium chromate is filtered and acidified with sulphuric acid to orange
sodium dichromate.
2Na2CrO4 + 2 H+ → Na2Cr2O7 + 2 Na+ + H2O
3. Conversion of sodium dichromate to potassium dichromate
The solution of sodium dichromate is treated with potassium chloride so that orange crystals of
potassium dichromate crystallise out.
Na2Cr2O7 + 2 KCl → K2Cr2O7 + 2 NaCl
Properties
The chromate and dichromate are inter convertible in aqueous solution depending on pH of the solution.
Chromate on acidification gives dichromate and the dichromate on treating with alkali gives chromate.
2 CrO42– + 2H+ → Cr2O72– + H2O
Cr2O72– + 2OH- → 2 CrO42– + H2O
The oxidation state of chromium in chromate and dichromate is +6.
The structures of chromate ion, CrO42– and the dichromate ion, Cr2O72– are shown below. The
chromate ion is tetrahedral whereas the dichromate ion consists of two tetrahedra sharing one corner
with Cr–O–Cr bond angle of 126°.

Sodium and potassium dichromates are strong oxidising agents; the sodium salt has a greater
solubility in water and is widely used as an oxidising agent in organic chemistry. Potassium dichromate is
used as a primary standard in volumetric analysis.
Oxidising Property
K2Cr2O7 is a good oxidising agent in acidic medium. Its oxidising action can be represented as follows:
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
Thus, acidified potassium dichromate will oxidise
1) Iodides to iodine
6 I – → 3I2 + 6 e-
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
6I – + Cr2O72– + 14H+ → 3I2 + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 4

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 2) Sulphides to sulphur
3S2- →3 S + 6e-
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
3S2- + Cr2O72– + 14H+ → 3S + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
3) Tin(II) to tin(IV)
3 Sn2+ → 3Sn4+ + 6 e-
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
3Sn2+ + Cr2O72– + 14H+ → 3 Sn4+ + 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
4) Iron(II) (ferrous) to iron(III) (ferric)
6 Fe2+ → 6Fe3+ + 6 e-
Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
Cr2O72– + 14 H+ + 6 Fe2+ → 2 Cr3+ + 6 Fe3+ + 7 H2O
2. Potassium permanganate ( KMnO4)
Potassium permanganate is commercially prepared from Pyrolusite (MnO2). The preparation
involves two steps. In the first step MnO2 is fused with KOH to form potassium manganate (K2MnO4).
Then K2MnO4 is electrolytically oxidised to potassium permanganate.
2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 → 2K2MnO4 + 2H2O
3MnO42- + 4H+ → 2MnO4- + MnO2 + 2H2O
Properties
Potassium permanganate forms dark purple crystals which are iso-structural with those of KClO4.
When heated it decomposes and liberate O2.
2KMnO4 → K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
The manganate and permanganate ions are tetrahedral

The green manganate is paramagnetic with one unpaired electron but the permanganate is
diamagnetic.
Oxidising Property
KMnO4 is a good oxidizing agent in acidic, basic and neutral media. The oxidizing action in acidic
medium is due to the reaction:
MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O
Acidified permanganate solution oxidises:
1) Oxalates to carbon dioxide
5 x (C2O42-→2 CO2 + 2e–)
2 x (MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O)
5 C2O42- +2 MnO4- + 16H+ → 10 CO2 +2 Mn2+ + 8H2O

2) Iron(II) to iron(III)
5 Fe2+ → 5 Fe3+ + 5e–
MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O
5Fe2+ + MnO4- + 8H+ → 5Fe3+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 5

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 3) Nitrites to nitrates
5NO2– + 5H2O → 5NO3- + 10H+ + l0e–
2 x (MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O)
5NO2– +2 MnO4- + 6H+ → 5NO3- + 2 Mn2+ + 3H2O
4) Iodides to free iodine.
10 I– → 5I2 + 10e–
2 x (MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O)
10I- +2 MnO4- + 16H+ → 5I2+2 Mn2+ + 8H2O
5) Sulphite to sulphate
2 x (MnO4- + 8H++ 5e-→ Mn2+ + 4H2O)
5 x (SO32- + H2O → SO42- + 2 H+ + 2e-)
5SO32- +2 MnO4- + 6H+ → 5SO42- + 2 Mn2+ + 3H2O
In alkaline or neutral medium, permanganate ion is reduced to MnO2
MnO4- + 2H2O + 3e-→ MnO2 + 4OH-
In alkaline medium it oxidises
1) Iodide to iodate
(MnO4- + 2H2O + 3e-→ MnO2 + 4OH-) x 2
I- + 6OH- → IO3- + 3 H2O + 6 e–
2MnO4- + H2O + I-→ 2MnO2 + 2OH-+ IO3-
2) Thiosulphate to sulphate
(MnO4- + 2H2O + 3e-→ MnO2 + 4OH-) x 8
(S2O32- + 10 OH- → 2SO42- + 5 H2O + 8e-) x 3
8MnO4- + H2O +3 S2O32- → 8MnO2 + 2OH-+ 6SO42-
Note: Permanganate titrations in presence of hydrochloric acid are unsatisfactory since hydrochloric acid
is oxidised to chlorine.
Uses: It is used as an oxidising agent in acidic, basic and neutral medium. It is used as a primary standard
in volumetric analysis. It is used for the bleaching of wool, cotton, silk and other textile fibres and also for
the decolourisation of oils.
THE INNER TRANSITION ELEMENTS ( f-BLOCK)
The elements in which the last electron enters in the anti-penultimate f-subshell are called f-block
elements. They include lanthanides of the 6th period and actinides of the 7th period. They are also called
inner transition elements. Since lanthanum (57La) closely resembles lanthanides, it is also included along
with them. Similarly, actinium (89Ac) is included along with actinoids due to its similarities with them.
The Lanthanoids or lanthanides
The 14 elements after lanthanum of the 6th period are called lanthanides or lanthanones or
lanthanoids or rare earths. They include elements from 58Ce to 71Lu. They are generally represented as Ln.
Atomic and ionic radii - Lanthanide Contraction
In lanthanides, the atomic and ionic radii decrease regularly from lanthanum to lutetium. This regular
decrease in the atomic and ionic radii along lanthanide series (though very slightly) is called lanthanide
contraction.
Reason: In lanthanides, as the atomic number increases, the nuclear charge increases one by one and the
electrons are added to the anti-penultimate f subshell. Due to its diffused shape, f orbitals have poor
shielding effect. So the nucleus can attract the outer most electrons strongly and as a result the radii
decreases.
Consequences:
1) Due to Lanthanide Contraction the 2nd and 3rd row transition series elements have similar radii.
E.g. Zr – 160pm and Hf -159pm

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 6

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 2) Lanthanides have similar physical properties and they occur together in nature. So their
isolation is difficult.
3) The basic character of their hydroxides decreases from lanthanum to lutetium. i.e, La(OH)3 is
more basic than Lu(OH)3.
Oxidation number
In lanthanoids, the most common oxidation state is +3. However, +2 and +4 ions in solution or
in solid compounds are also obtained. This irregularity arises mainly from the extra stability of empty,
half-filled or filled f subshells. Cerium shows the oxidation state +4 due to its noble gas configuration. Pr,
Nd, Tb and Dy also exhibit +4 state but only in oxides, MO2. Eu and Yb shows +2 oxidation state because
of the stable f7 or f14 configuration. Sm shows +2 oxidation state also.
General properties of Lanthanoides
All the lanthanoids are silvery white soft metals and tarnish rapidly in air. Their hardness increases
with increasing atomic number. They have typical metallic structure and are
good conductors of heat and electricity. Most of the lanthanoid ions are coloured both in the solid state
and in aqueous solutions. Colour of these ions is due to the presence of f electrons. But La3+ or Lu3+ ion
are colourless. The lanthanoid ions other than the f 0 type (La3+ and Ce4+) and the f 14 type (Yb2+ and Lu3+)
are all paramagnetic. The paramagnetism rises to maximum in neodymium.
Chemical properties
Some of the chemical reactions of lanthanides are:
Ln + O2 ∆ Ln2O3
Ln + S ∆ Ln2S3
Ln + N2 ∆ LnN
Ln + C 2773K LnC2
Ln + H2O Ln(OH)3 + H2
Ln + X2 LnX3
Ln + HCl LnCl3 + H2
Uses of Lanthanides
The main use of the lanthanoids is for the production of alloy steels. An important alloy is
mischmetall which consists of a lanthanoid metal (~ 95%) and iron (~ 5%) and traces of S, C, Ca and Al. A
great deal of mischmetall is used in Magnesium based alloy to produce bullets, shell and lighter flint.
Mixed oxides of lanthanoids are employed as catalysts in petroleum cracking. Some Ln oxides are used as
phosphors in television screens and similar fluorescing surfaces.

The Actinoids or Actinones

The 14 elements after actinium in the 7th period of modern periodic table are called actinides or
actinoids or actinones. They include elements from 90Th to 103Lr. Most of them are artificially prepared
and are short lived. They are radioactive. The elements after Uranium are artificially prepared and so they
are called trans-uranium elements or trans-uranic elements.

Atomic and ionic radii

In actinoid series the atomic and ionic radii decreases regularly from left to right. This is known as
Actinoid contraction.
Oxidation state
Common oxidation state of actinoids is +3. The elements in the first half of the series show higher
oxidation states. The maximum oxidation state increases from +4 in Th to +5, +6 and +7 respectively in Pa,
U and Np but decreases in succeeding elements. The actinoids resemble the lanthanoids in having more
compounds in +3 state than in the +4 state.

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 7

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com

 Comparison between lanthanoids and acinoids
1. Most of the actinoids are artificially prepared and are radioactive.
2. The first ionisation enthalpy of early actinoids is lower than those of lanthanoids.
3. Actinoid contraction is greater from elements to elements than lanthanoid contraction. This is due
to greater shielding effect of 5f electrons.
¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

The d and f-Block Elements - Prepared by Anil Kumar K L, GHSS Ashtamudi Page 8

Downloaded from www.hssreporter.com