Question

Transition metals (8 things)

A) Generally form -2 oxidation states, low melting points, high ionization energies
B) Exhibit variable oxidation states, high melting points, often colorful compounds
C) Form only +1 oxidation states, low ionization energies, low reactivity
D) Exhibit fixed oxidation states, low melting points, often inert compounds

Answer 1

Transition metals can form compounds with a wide range of oxidation states, and the number of common oxidation states increases towards the middle of the first transition series. Researchers have even successfully synthesized new oxidation states of certain transition metals. The option (B) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transition metals can form compounds with a wide range of oxidation states. As we move from left to right across the first transition series, we see that the number of common oxidation states increases at first to a maximum towards the middle of the table, then decreases.

The values in the table are typical; there are other known values, and it is possible to synthesize new additions. For example, in 2014, researchers were successful in synthesizing a new oxidation state of iridium (9+). Therefore, option (B) is correct.