Why is zinc not considered a transition metal?

The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar]4s23d10. The only oxidative state which zinc has is Zn2+ in which its configuration is [Ar] (4s0)3d10, as the 4s sub-level empties first. The definition of a transition metal is that it must have an incomplete d sub-level in one or more of is oxidation states. As zinc has a complete d sub level at all oxidative states it can't be considered a transition metal.

NS

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Butan-2-ol cannot be directly converted to 1,2-dibromobutane. The conversion can be carried out in two stages by first converting butan-2-ol into X, which is then reacted with bromine.(continued in answers)


Explain in terms of ΔG, why a reaction for which both ΔH and ΔS are positive is sometimes spontaneous and sometimes not.


Sort the following substances MgO, Na, H2O, H2S, NaCl, in the order of increasing melting temperature.


Why do transition d-metal complexes show color?