Question

Transition elements have greater tendency to form complexes because:

• A. they have vacant $d$-orbitals
• B. they have large size
• C. they show variable oxidation state
• D. they have two electrons in their outermost shells

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

they have vacant $d$-orbitals
they show variable oxidation state

The reason transition elements form complexes because they contain vacant d-orbitals ,so that they can accommodate electrons of other elements and form bonds. Transition elements have variable oxidation state like from +2 to +6 which, shows its capacity to form bonds.