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d and f Block Elements - Catalytic properties and Magnetic properties

Grade 12ICSEChemistry

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

Most transition metal ions exhibit paramagnetic behavior due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their (n1)d(n-1)d orbitals. When all electrons are paired, the substance is diamagnetic.

The magnetic character is measured in terms of magnetic moment (μ)(\mu). As the number of unpaired electrons (n)(n) increases, the paramagnetic character increases.

Transition metals and their compounds are effective catalysts because of their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and their ability to form unstable intermediate complexes.

In heterogeneous catalysis, transition metals provide a large surface area for the reactants to be adsorbed, which increases the concentration of reactants on the surface and weakens the bonds in the reacting molecules.

Common examples of catalysts include V2O5V_2O_5 in the Contact process for H2SO4H_2SO_4 manufacture, Finely divided FeFe in Haber's process for NH3NH_3 synthesis, and NiNi in the hydrogenation of oils.

📐Formulae

μ=n(n+2) BM\mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)} \text{ BM}

n=number of unpaired electronsn = \text{number of unpaired electrons}

Unit: Bohr Magneton (BM)\text{Unit: Bohr Magneton (BM)}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Calculate the 'spin-only' magnetic moment of M(aq)2+M^{2+}_{(aq)} ion with atomic number Z=25Z = 25.

Solution:

For Z=25Z = 25 (Manganese), the electronic configuration of MnMn is [Ar]3d54s2[Ar] 3d^5 4s^2. For Mn2+Mn^{2+}, the configuration is [Ar]3d5[Ar] 3d^5. There are n=5n = 5 unpaired electrons. Using the formula μ=5(5+2)=355.92 BM\mu = \sqrt{5(5+2)} = \sqrt{35} \approx 5.92 \text{ BM}.

Explanation:

The magnetic moment is calculated based on the number of unpaired electrons in the dd-orbital. Since Mn2+Mn^{2+} has a half-filled d5d^5 configuration, it has the maximum number of unpaired electrons for a 3d3d series ion.

Problem 2:

Why is Sc3+Sc^{3+} diamagnetic while Ti3+Ti^{3+} is paramagnetic?

Solution:

ScSc (Z=21)(Z=21) has the configuration [Ar]3d14s2[Ar] 3d^1 4s^2. Sc3+Sc^{3+} has the configuration [Ar]3d0[Ar] 3d^0, meaning it has zero unpaired electrons (n=0)(n=0), hence it is diamagnetic. TiTi (Z=22)(Z=22) has [Ar]3d24s2[Ar] 3d^2 4s^2. Ti3+Ti^{3+} has [Ar]3d1[Ar] 3d^1, meaning it has one unpaired electron (n=1)(n=1), hence it is paramagnetic.

Explanation:

Paramagnetism requires at least one unpaired electron. Sc3+Sc^{3+} achieves a stable noble gas configuration with no unpaired electrons.

Problem 3:

Explain the role of Fe3+Fe^{3+} in the reaction between iodide and persulphate ions: 2I+S2O82Fe3+I2+2SO422I^- + S_2O_8^{2-} \xrightarrow{Fe^{3+}} I_2 + 2SO_4^{2-}.

Solution:

The Fe3+Fe^{3+} ions act as a catalyst by alternating oxidation states. First, 2Fe3++2I2Fe2++I22Fe^{3+} + 2I^- \rightarrow 2Fe^{2+} + I_2. Then, the Fe2+Fe^{2+} is oxidized back: 2Fe2++S2O822Fe3++2SO422Fe^{2+} + S_2O_8^{2-} \rightarrow 2Fe^{3+} + 2SO_4^{2-}.

Explanation:

Transition metals catalyze reactions by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy through variable oxidation states.

Catalytic properties and Magnetic properties Revision - Class 12 Chemistry ICSE