general properties of transition metals

• Transition metal characteristics of elements Ti to Cu arise from an incomplete d sub-level in ions
• these characteristics include

  • •formation of coloured ions,
  • •variable oxidation state
  • •catalytic activity.
  • •Complex ion formation,
• when forming electron configurations for transition metals, lose ions in 4s before 3d

  
• Why is Zn not a transition metal?

  Zn can only form a +2 ion.

  In this ion the Zn2+ has a complete d orbital
• Why is Sc not a transition metal?

  Sc can only form a +3 ion.

  In this ion the Sc3+ has an empty d orbital