Overview
This lecture covers the properties, uses, origins, and extraction of transition metals, with special focus on period 4 elements and the inner transition metals (lanthanides and actinides).
Period 4 Transition Metals: Examples & Uses
- Silver (Ag) is a soft, ductile, silvery metal used in jewelry, dental fillings, mirrors, and silverware.
- Silver's name comes from Anglo-Saxon "sopur" and Latin "argentum" (origin of symbol 'Ag').
- Gold (Au) is soft, malleable, yellow, and used in jewelry, dental work, art, coins, and architecture.
- Gold's name derives from the Anglo-Saxon word related to "arum," meaning shining dawn.
- Titanium is a tough, silvery, corrosion-resistant metal used in alloys for aircraft, dental implants, and gemstones.
- Platinum is a heavy, soft, ductile silvery-white metal with uses in jewelry, fuel cells, catalytic converters, and medical implants.
- Platinum comes from the Spanish "platina," meaning little silver, and is not consumed in catalytic reactions.
Inner Transition Metals: Lanthanides & Actinides
- Inner transition metals include lanthanides (period 6, rare earths) and actinides (period 7).
- Both groups are located in the f-block of the periodic table.
- Actinides are all radioactive and share similar physical and chemical properties.
- Lanthanides commonly show a +3 oxidation state, used as catalysts, in MRIs, and in structural materials of nuclear reactors.
- Actinides are used in advanced materials, nuclear weapons, and space exploration due to radioactivity and unique properties.
Extraction and Purification of Transition Metals
- Transition metals are extracted from naturally occurring ores containing desired minerals.
- The extraction involves smelting (heating to obtain the metal) and produces impure metal.
- Subsequent refining (often involving electrolysis or reheating) is used to purify the metal.
- The process is costly but profitable due to broad industrial applications.
General Properties and Trends of Transition Metals
- Transition metals have unique physical and chemical properties compared to main group elements.
- Electron configuration, atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity show unique trends in transition metals.
- Transition metals often display various oxidation states, colored compounds, and act as catalysts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Transition Metal — Elements in the d-block with partially filled d subshells.
- Ore — Naturally occurring material containing metals or minerals to be extracted.
- Smelting — Process of heating ores to extract metals.
- Refining — Further purification of extracted metals.
- Lanthanide — Rare earth elements in period 6, f-block.
- Actinide — Radioactive elements in period 7, f-block.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the general and specific properties of transition metals.
- Familiarize yourself with common uses and extraction methods for silver, gold, titanium, and platinum.
- Prepare for upcoming discussions on electron configuration and periodic trends within transition metals.