The d- and f-Block Elements.

13 lessons112 min7 simulations10 practice questions

The d-block fills the wide middle of the periodic table (groups 3-12) and the f-block sits in two rows below it. The chapter explains why these metals are hard, high-melting and similar across a row, why their ionisation enthalpies and electrode potentials run irregularly, and how partly filled d orbitals give them many oxidation states, paramagnetism, colour, complexes and catalytic power. It then studies two workhorse oxidants, K₂Cr₂O₇ and KMnO₄, and closes with the lanthanoids (and the lanthanoid contraction) and the actinoids.

Also called: transition elements · lanthanides and actinides · d-block elements