D and F Block Elements - Full Notes
■ D-Block Elements (Transition Elements)
Position in Periodic Table
- Groups 3 to 12
- Last electron in (n-1)d orbital
- Called transition metals
General Characteristics
1. Variable oxidation states (e.g., Fe → +2, +3)
2. Colored compounds (d–d transitions)
3. Magnetic properties (paramagnetism due to unpaired d-electrons)
4. Catalytic properties (e.g., V■O■ in Contact process)
5. Alloy formation
6. Complex formation
Important Series
- 3d: Sc (21) → Zn (30)
- 4d: Y (39) → Cd (48)
- 5d: La (57), Hf (72) → Hg (80)
- 6d: Ac (89) → Cn (112)
■ F-Block Elements (Inner Transition Elements)
Position
- Shown separately at bottom
- Last electron in (n-2)f orbital
- Two series: Lanthanides (58–71, 4f) and Actinides (90–103, 5f)
Lanthanides (Rare Earth Elements)
- Common oxidation state: +3
- Lanthanide contraction (atomic size decreases)
- Mostly colorless/faintly colored ions
- Show paramagnetism
- Weak complex formation
Actinides
- Oxidation states: +3 to +6
- All radioactive
- Actinide contraction
- Highly reactive with water, acids, halogens
■ Key Differences
Feature D-block (Transition) F-block (Inner Transition)
Orbital filling (n-1)d (n-2)f
Oxidation states Variable but stable Variable, higher in actinides
Magnetism Unpaired d-electrons Unpaired f-electrons
Contraction Not very marked Lanthanide/Actinide contraction
Complex formation Strong tendency Weaker
Radioactivity Mostly non-radioactive Mostly radioactive (actinides)
