- 2071 Magh · 1+1.5 marks
Transition elements; non-typical 3d element
Short answer
Zinc (Zn) is not a typical transition element. Its atom (3d¹⁰4s²) and its only common ion Zn²⁺ (3d¹⁰) have a completely filled d subshell, lacking an incomplete d subshell required for typical transition properties.
What are transition elements? Which of 3d-series elements is not a typical transition element and why?
Transition elements: elements having an incomplete d subshell in their atoms or in their common ions are called transition elements (Sc to Cu in the 3d series).
Non-typical element: zinc (Zn). Its configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s². The d subshell is completely filled in the atom and also in its only common ion, Zn²⁺ (3d¹⁰), because it loses just the 4s electrons. Zn therefore has no incomplete d subshell in any common state and does not show the usual transition properties: it has only one oxidation state (+2), forms colourless, diamagnetic compounds, and has a low melting point. (Cd and Hg behave similarly.)
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