Üleminekumetall

Üleminekumetall is the Estonian term for a transition metal. Transition metals are a group of chemical elements that have an incomplete d subshell, either in their elemental form or in their common oxidation states. This definition places them in the d-block of the periodic table, spanning groups 3 through 12.

Key characteristics of transition metals include their ability to form colored compounds, their catalytic activity, and their tendency to exhibit variable oxidation states. They are often electropositive, readily losing electrons to form positive ions. The presence of partially filled d orbitals is responsible for many of these unique properties, allowing for complex bonding and electron transitions that result in colored solutions and solids.

Common examples of transition metals include iron, copper, zinc, nickel, and chromium. These elements play crucial roles in various industrial processes, biological systems, and technological applications. For instance, iron is essential for oxygen transport in blood, copper is widely used in electrical wiring, and transition metal catalysts are vital in chemical synthesis and pollution control. Their diverse properties make them indispensable in modern chemistry and technology.