The Transition Metals

• The metals in groups 3-12 are known as the transition metals.

• Transition metals generally have the following properties:

• They are hard metals (group 11 is an exception).

• They have high boiling points (except mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature).

• They have high densities.

• They have either one or two valence electrons and form positive ions.

• Many can form ions with different charges (eg, copper can form Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions).

• They usually form coloured compounds.

• Metals to the right of the transition metals are known as post-transition metals.

• They have similar properties to transition metals.

The metals in groups 3-12 are known as the transition metals.