Metallurgy and the Chemistry of Metals

Crystals of salt composed of sodium anion and a complex sodium cation. The molecular models show the complex of an alkali metal cation (Na or K ) with an organic compound called crown ether. The large green sphere is the alkali metal anion. 

Up to this point we have concentrated mainly on fundamental principles theories of chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, equilibrium, the laws of thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. An understanding of these topics is necessary for the study of the properties of representative metallic elements and their compounds. 

The use and refinement of metals date back to early human history. For example, archeologists have found evidence that in the first millennium a.d. inhabitants of Sii Lanka used monsoon winds to run iron-smelting furnaces to produce high-carbon steel. Through the years, these furnaces could have been sources of steel for the legendary Damascus swords, known for their sharpness and durability. 

In this chapter we will smdy the methods for extracting, refining, and purifying metals and examine the properties of metals that belong to the representative elements. We will emphasize (1) the occurrence and preparation of metals, (2) the physical and chemical properties of some of their compounds, and (3) their uses in modem society and their roles in biological systems. 

Metallurgy is the science and technology of separating metals from their ores and of compounding alloys. An alloy is a solid solution either of two or more metals, or of a metal or metals with one or more nonmetals. 

Calcium, potassium, and sodium are the three most abundant metals in the human body. Present in a much smaller amount, copper is nonetheless vitally important to human health. Copper-dependent enzymes known as cuproenzymes play a critical role in a host of biochemical processes, including cellular energy production, connective tissue formation. and reactions essential to normal functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Two hereditary diseases that involve errors of copper metabolism are Menkes disease and Wilson s disease. 

In Menkes disease, copper is not absorbed in the intestine and is not available for distribution throughout the body. Consequently, cuproenzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase, lysyl oxidase, and dopamine beta hydroxylase cannot function normally. Sufferers exhibit severe developmental delay subnormal body temperature kinky, steel-colored hair seizures and ultimately the degeneration of muscle, bone, and organs. Baby boys bom with the most severe form of Menkes disease typically do not live beyond then-third year of life. 

Menkes and Wilson s diseases illustrate the importance of metals to living systems. 

Menkes disease is an X-tinked recessive crxxlition arid rrearly all victrris are rnale. 

In This Chapter, You Will Learn how some metals are produced and about their chemistry. Before you begin, you should review r  

At the end of this chapter, you will have an appreciation for the importance of metals and the many roles they play in human health [ H Page 962]. 

How some metals are produced and about their chemistry. 

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