---
title: "Zn and Cd not typical transition metals"
subject: "Engineering Chemistry"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_2/engineering_chemistry:zn-cd-not-typical"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/zn-cd-not-typical
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Zn and Cd not typical transition metals

Engineering Chemistry · Chapter 5: 3-d Transition Elements and their Applications

- Asked in: 2070 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Why Zn, Cd and Hg are not transition elements?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD420-xtnJ4) — Chemistry Concept
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/zn-cd-not-typical
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_2/engineering_chemistry/chapter-5

## Question

Give reasons why Zn and Cd are not considered as typical transition metals.

## Short answer

Zn (3d¹⁰4s²) and Cd (4d¹⁰5s²) have completely filled d subshells in atoms and form only +2 ions with d¹⁰ configuration. They lack an incomplete d subshell in any common state, showing no variable oxidation states, forming colourless diamagnetic compounds, and thus are not typical transition metals.

## Answer

A typical transition element has an incomplete d subshell in the atom or in its common ions.

- Zn: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²; Cd: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s².
- Both have a completely filled d¹⁰ subshell in the atom, and they form only +2 ions (Zn²⁺ 3d¹⁰, Cd²⁺ 4d¹⁰) by losing the ns electrons. The d subshell stays full.
- As a result they show no variable oxidation state, form colourless diamagnetic compounds, rarely form coloured complexes, and have low melting and boiling points.

So Zn and Cd lack the typical properties of transition metals.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What defines a typical transition element?
   A. A filled d10 subshell
   B. No d electrons at all
   C. Only s valence electrons
   D. An incomplete d subshell in the atom or common ions
   Answer: D. This is the criterion that Zn and Cd fail. (Key point: Typical transition element)

2. What are the common ions of Zn and Cd and their d configuration?
   A. M2+ with d10, from losing the ns electrons
   B. M3+ with d9
   C. M+ with d10
   D. M4+ with d8
   Answer: A. The d subshell stays full. (Key point: Ions of Zn and Cd)

3. Which properties do Zn and Cd show?
   A. Variable oxidation state and coloured compounds
   B. No variable oxidation state, colourless diamagnetic compounds, low melting points
   C. Paramagnetic coloured compounds
   D. High melting points and many oxidation states
   Answer: B. They lack the typical transition properties. (Key point: Properties)

## Related in Engineering Chemistry

- [d-block elements; 3d configuration; non-typical metals](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Adblock-config-not-typical) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 5
- [Paramagnetism of transition metals](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Atm-paramagnetism) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 5, asked 3×
- [Transition elements; non-typical 3d element](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Atm-not-typical) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 5
- [Transition elements; first series configuration](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Awhy-transition-elements-typical) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 5
- [Why transition elements are coloured and paramagnetic](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fengineering_chemistry%3Atm-colour-paramagnetic) — Engineering Chemistry, chapter 5

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