d- and f-Block Elements

30 lessons, pages 2131–2160.

  1. Locating the d- and f-Blocks — Electron-subshell filling, periods and the scope of transition chemistry
  2. Transition Elements and Their Definition — Partly filled d subshells in atoms or common cations
  3. First-Row d-Block Electron Configurations — Sc to Zn valence arrangements and familiar exceptions
  4. Forming Transition-Metal Cations — Removing ns electrons before (n−1)d electrons
  5. Atomic and Ionic Radius Trends in the d-Block — Effective nuclear charge, shielding and comparison cautions
  6. Variable Oxidation States — Accessible d and s electrons and stability across the first row
  7. Oxidation-State Patterns Across the First Row — Early high states, middle diversity and later lower states
  8. Standard Potentials and Redox Behaviour — Comparing tendencies with state, ligand and solution conditions
  9. High Melting Points and Metal Bonding — d-electron contributions to cohesion with exceptions
  10. Transition-Metal Colours — Visible-light absorption and the role of partially filled d orbitals
  11. Ligand Environment and Colour Changes — How coordination geometry and ligands alter d-level splitting
  12. Magnetic Behaviour of d-Block Ions — Unpaired d electrons, paramagnetism and diamagnetism
  13. Spin and Magnetic-Moment Estimates — Qualitative electron counting and limits of spin-only values
  14. Complex Formation by Transition Metals — Metal ions accepting donor pairs from ligands
  15. Ligand Number and Coordination Geometry — Common tetrahedral, square-planar and octahedral arrangements
  16. Catalysis by Transition Metals — Surface adsorption, variable oxidation states and pathway barriers
  17. Transition-Metal Alloys and Interstitial Compounds — Shared metallic lattices and small-atom occupation
  18. Potassium Dichromate as an Oxidant — Chromium oxidation state, acidic half-reaction and safety context
  19. Potassium Permanganate as an Oxidant — Manganese(VII) reduction products under different media
  20. Comparing Dichromate and Permanganate — Medium-dependent redox equations and electron accounting
  21. The f-Block and Inner-Transition Series — Lanthanide and actinide placement with f-subshell filling
  22. Lanthanide Electron Configurations — 4f, 5d and 6s occupation with exceptions
  23. Lanthanide Oxidation States — Dominant +3 state and selected +2 or +4 cases
  24. Lanthanide Contraction — Poor 4f shielding and decreasing trivalent ionic radii
  25. Consequences of Lanthanide Contraction — Similar 4d and 5d sizes and difficult rare-earth separation
  26. Lanthanide Colour and Magnetism — Partly filled 4f shells and shielded electronic transitions
  27. Actinide Configurations and Oxidation States — 5f participation and broader oxidation-state variability
  28. Actinide Radioactivity and Chemical Handling — Radioactive nuclei, chemistry and distinct safety considerations
  29. d- and f-Block Integrated Problems — Configurations, oxidation states, colour and contraction together
  30. d- and f-Block Elements Review — Evidence-led comparison of transition and inner-transition elements