Eighteen Electrons
Transition elements have "d" orbitals in their next-to-outermost shell. When they form bonds they tend to fill them and surround themselves with 18 electrons.
Goal: complete the "d" orbitals
Transition elements are characterized by having the "s" orbital of the N shell (4 or 5) filled, the "p" empty, and the "d" orbital of the N-1 shell half-full. Check it in the table of electron configurations in the Periodic Table section.
Transition elements are characterized by having the "s" orbital of the N shell (4 or 5) filled, the "p" empty, and the "d" orbital of the N-1 shell half-full. Hover your mouse over the two rows of transition elements and check it.
For informational purposes only
The treatment of these molecules exceeds the objective of this course. However, below you have a molecular model of the potassium ferrocyanide complex K4Fe(CN)6 (the four potassium atoms have been omitted). This molecule is widely used as a blue pigment for inks and paints and as an oxidizing product. Iron (Fe) contributes 6 electrons (of the eight it initially has, it has lost two before forming the molecule) and each cyanide group (CN) contributes 2 electrons. In total, 18 electrons. Iron is in the center, linked by single bonds to six carbons in gray. Each carbon is linked by a triple bond to a nitrogen in blue.