The Student Room Group

bonding in transition elements !!!

Why can a transtition metal use its 3d and 4s electrons in bonding but group 1 or group 2 metals cannot??
Original post by emmalav
Why can a transtition metal use its 3d and 4s electrons in bonding but group 1 or group 2 metals cannot??


To be important for bonding, the energy of the orbitals must be in a sort of 'goldylocks' zone. Too high or too low and they are insignificant to the bonding. If they are the highest occupied orbital they are going to be in this zone.

The energy of the d orbitals rapidly fall across a period, so going from K to Fe, the 3d has lowered it's energy level significantly.
Original post by emmalav
Why can a transtition metal use its 3d and 4s electrons in bonding but group 1 or group 2 metals cannot??


the energy difference between the 3D and 4S orbital is small as compared to the diff between 3P and 3D orbital so thats why transition elements can use electrons from both 4S and 3D
Original post by emmalav
Why can a transtition metal use its 3d and 4s electrons in bonding but group 1 or group 2 metals cannot??


Transition metals are already in the 4th level, shown by the fact that they have 4s electrons. This allows them to utilise 4p and 4d orbitals when bonding.

Quick Reply

Latest