Question

Describe the general characteristics of the transition elements with special reference to the following.

Interstitial compounds.

Accepted Answer

Interstial compounds are the compounds formed when small atoms of $H, C, or N$ get trapped inside the crystal lattice of metals is known as interstitial compounds. A number of interstitial compounds are formed by transition metals. As vacant spaces between atoms called voids of the transition metals are filled up by small atoms, these compounds are hard and rigid. The chemical properties of the parent transition metals are not altered during the formation of interstitial compounds.However, there are various changes in the physical properties such as density, rigidity, hardness, malleability, ductility, electrical conductivity etc. for example Steel and cast iron are the interstitial compounds of iron which are formed with carbon. In the formation of these compounds, the malleability and ductility of iron are lost to a great extent, but the tenacity of the metal increases.

Note-Transition metals have crystals which are either hexagonal packed or face-centered cubic structures. Both of these lattices are very similar and have two type of holes.Firstly, there can be two tetrahedral holes per metal atom that mean there is a hole between four metal atoms.Secondly, there can be one octahedral hole per atom that is the hole is between six metal atoms.

Describe the general characteristics of the transition elements with special reference to the following.

Interstitial compounds.

Important Questions on d- and f-Block Elements

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