Transition Elements Metals to Nonmetals

The transition elements form three series of metals that progress from elements that give up or lose electrons (metals) to elements that gain or accept electrons (nonmetals). The elements that are in transition from metals to nonmetals are located in the center of the periodic table in periods 4, 5, and 6 and are found in groups 3 through 12. 

Electronegativity is an important concept because the attractive force created by the positive nuclei of atoms makes it possible for both the ionic and covalent bonding of atoms to form molecular compounds. 

Many of the compounds formed by transition elements appear in various colors. Several are very toxic. Chromium, zinc, cobalt, nickel, and titanium are carcinogenic. 

There are several ways to present the transition elements. We present them as three series found in periods 4, 5, and 6. 

The first series starts at period 4, group 3 (IIIB) with the element scandium (jiSc)- The second series starts at period 5, group 3 (IIIB), with the element yttrium ( Y). The third series starts at period 6, group 3 (IIIB) following a number of special metals. We start the third series with the element hafnium ( Hf). 

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Krebs, Robert E. The history and use of our earth s chemical elements a reference guide. Westport (CT) Greenwood P, 1998. ix, 346p. ISBN 0-313-30123-9 A short history of chemistry — Atomic structure The periodic table of the chemical elements — Alkali metals and alkali earth metals - Transition elements metals to nonmetals — Metallics and metalloids - Metalloids and nonmetals — Halogens and noble gases - Lanthanide series (rare-earth elements) — Actinide, transuranic, and transactinide series... 

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