THE D- AND F-
BLOCK
ELEMENTS
Class 12 Chemistry - NCERT Based
Objectives
• After studying this unit, you will be able to:
•-Learn the positions of the d- and f-block elements in the
periodic table.
•- Know the electronic configurations of these elements.
•- Appreciate the relative stability of various oxidation states.
•-Describe the preparation and uses of compounds like
K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.
•- Understand general characteristics and periodic trends.
•-Compare lanthanoids and actinoids based on properties and
configurations.
d-Block Elements
• The d-block of the periodic table includes groups 3 to
12.
• Thed-orbitals are progressively filled in these four
periods.
• Transition
metals are typically defined as elements
with incomplete d-subshells in atoms or ions.
• Examples: Fe, Cu, Zn, Ag.
d-Block Elements
d-Block Elements
🧪 D-block Elements and Transition Metals
🔷 D-block Elements
•Found in Groups 3 to 12 of the periodic table.
•Characterized by the progressive filling of d-orbitals.
•These elements include metals like Scandium (Sc) to Zinc
(Zn) in Period 4, and similar elements in Periods 5, 6, and 7.
🔶 Transition Metals
•A subset of d-block elements.
•Defined as elements that have incomplete d-subshells in
their neutral atoms or ions.
•This means they can form variable oxidation states, often
participate in complex formation, and exhibit colored
compounds.
✅ Examples of Transition Metals
Element Symbol Electron Configuration Notes
(Simplified)
Iron Fe [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s² Common oxidation
states: +2, +3
Copper Cu [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ Known for electrical
conductivity
Zinc Zn [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² Not a transition metal
(full d-subshell)
Silver Ag [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s¹ Used in jewelry and
electronics
⚠️Note: Although Zn and Ag are in the d-block, Zn is not considered a transition
metal because its d-subshell is completely filled in both its atom and common ion
forms.
Characteristics of d-Block
Elements
•- Exhibit variable oxidation states.
•- Form colored compounds.
•- Often used as catalysts.
•- High melting and boiling points.
•- Show magnetic properties.
Characteristics of d-Block Elements
1. Variable Oxidation States
1. Due to the involvement of both (n-1)d and ns electrons in bonding.
2. Example: Iron (Fe) shows +2 and +3 oxidation states.
2. Formation of Colored Compounds
3. Caused by d–d electronic transitions.
4. Example: Copper(II) sulfate is blue; Chromium compounds are green
or orange.
3. Catalytic Properties
5. Many act as catalysts in chemical reactions due to their ability to
change oxidation states.
6. Example: Platinum (Pt) and Palladium (Pd) in catalytic converters.
4. High Melting and Boiling Points
7. Strong metallic bonding due to delocalized d-electrons.
8. Example: Tungsten (W) has one of the highest melting points.
5. Magnetic Properties
9. Unpaired d-electrons lead to paramagnetism or ferromagnetism.
Electronic Configuration
Exceptions
•- General configuration: (n-1)d¹⁻¹⁰ns¹⁻².
•- Pd: 4d10 5s0 (exception).
•- Cr: 3d5 4s1 instead of 3d4 4s2.
•- Cu: 3d10 4s1 instead of 3d9 4s2.
• These exceptions are due to stability of half/full filled
orbitals.
Electronic Configuration
Exceptions
⚛️General Configuration of d-block Elements
•Typical pattern: (n−1)d1−10ns1−2(n−1)d1−10ns1−2
(where n is the principal quantum number of the outermost shell)
❗ Notable Exceptions Due to Stability of Half/Full Filled Orbitals
Element Expected Actual Configuration Reason
Configuration
Chromium (Cr) [Ar] 3d⁴ 4s² [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹ Half-filled d⁵ is more
stable
Copper (Cu) [Ar] 3d⁹ 4s² [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ Fully-filled d¹⁰ is more
stable
Palladium (Pd) [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s² [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s⁰ Fully-filled d¹⁰ is
highly stable
🧠 Why These Exceptions Occur
•Exchange energy and symmetry make half-filled (d⁵) and fully-filled
(d¹⁰) subshells more stable.
•Electrons may shift from the s-orbital to the d-orbital to achieve this stability.
Electronic Configuration Exceptions
f-Block Elements
• f-Block elements include lanthanoids (4f) and actinoids
(5f).
•- Lanthanoids: Ce to Lu (atomic numbers 58–71).
•- Actinoids: Th to Lr (atomic numbers 90–103).
•- These elements are inner transition metals.
•- Actinoids are mostly radioactive.
f-Block Elements
🌌 f-Block Elements: Inner Transition Metals
🔷 Lanthanoids (4f Series)
•Atomic numbers 58 to 71 (Ce to Lu)
•Located in Period 6
•Known for:
• High magnetic susceptibility
• Similar chemical properties
• Used in optics, magnets, and electronics
🔶 Actinoids (5f Series)
•Atomic numbers 90 to 103 (Th to Lr)
•Located in Period 7
•Known for:
• Radioactivity (most are radioactive)
• Complex chemistry
• Used in nuclear energy and medicine
f-Block Elements
🧪 Key Features of f-block Elements
•Belong to the inner transition metals
•Electrons are added to the f-orbitals (4f for lanthanoids,
5f for actinoids)
•Typically placed below the main periodic table to keep
the layout compact
•Exhibit variable oxidation states and complex ion
formation
f-Block Elements
