Explain why transition metals form complex compounds.

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Solution

Transition metals are d-block elements with valence shell configuration $n s^{2} (n - 1) d^{1 - 10}$ . These metals and their ions easily coordinate to a number of negative ions or neutral molecules having lone pairs of electrons to form complex. This is due to
(i) Small size and high nuclear charge of these metals.
(ii) Availability of vacant d-orbitals of suitable energy to accommodate lone pairs of electrons donated by the ligands.

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Explain giving reasons :
Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.

The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.

The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.

Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.

Explain giving reasons:

(i) Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic

behaviour.

(ii) The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.

(iii) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.

(iv) Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.

(i)

(i i)

3 d

M n

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