overgangsmetaalion

Overgangsmetaalion refers to a metal ion that contains an incompletely filled d or f electron shell. These elements are found in the d-block and f-block of the periodic table. The defining characteristic of a transition metal is the presence of an incomplete d subshell in its elemental form or in one of its common oxidation states. For f-block elements, known as inner transition metals, the incomplete shell is an f subshell.

The electronic configuration of transition metal ions often results in unique chemical properties. Many transition metals can exhibit multiple oxidation states, meaning they can lose a varying number of electrons to form ions. This variability is a direct consequence of the close energy levels of the outermost s and d electrons. For example, iron commonly exists as Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions.

A significant property arising from the incomplete d or f electron shells is paramagnetism. When an atom or ion has unpaired electrons, it is attracted to an external magnetic field. Transition metal ions are frequently paramagnetic due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their d or f orbitals.

Furthermore, transition metal ions are well-known for their ability to form coordination compounds. These compounds consist of a central metal ion bonded to a surrounding group of molecules or ions called ligands. The d orbitals of the transition metal ion are involved in the bonding with these ligands, influencing the color and reactivity of the complex. The color of many transition metal complexes is due to electronic transitions within the d orbitals, absorbing specific wavelengths of visible light.