This key facts covers Special Properties of Transition Metals within Transition Metals (HT) for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Transition Metals (HT) in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
✨ Special Properties of Transition Metals
1. They form COLOURED compounds
- Copper compounds → blue (copper sulfate solution)
- Iron(II) compounds → green
- Iron(III) compounds → orange/brown
- This is why transition metal compounds are used as pigments and dyes
2. They can form ions with DIFFERENT charges
- Iron can be Fe²⁺ (iron(II)) OR Fe³⁺ (iron(III))
- Copper can be Cu⁺ (copper(I)) OR Cu²⁺ (copper(II))
- Group 1 metals can ONLY form +1 ions
3. They are used as CATALYSTS
- Iron — catalyst in the Haber process (making ammonia)
- Nickel — catalyst for hydrogenation (making margarine)
- Platinum — catalyst in catalytic converters (cleaning car exhausts)
Practice questions for Transition Metals (HT)
Where in the periodic table are the transition metals located?
Explain why copper is a useful metal for electrical wiring.
Quick recall flashcards
What is a catalyst?
A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up
Name 3 transition metals
Iron, Copper, Nickel (also Zinc, Gold, Silver, Platinum)