Why do the d, f orbitals of transition metals have less reactivity?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MophiA
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Metal Transition
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the comparison of filling electron orbitals, specifically the sequence of n=5 and n=6 orbitals versus n=4 orbitals. It highlights that n=4 orbitals are significantly smaller and closer to the nucleus, yet they possess higher energy than the n=5 and n=6 orbitals. This raises questions about the concept of localization in relation to these orbitals. Additionally, the conversation touches on reactivity, questioning what the n=4 orbitals are less reactive compared to, given their energy levels and size. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the intricate relationship between orbital size, energy, and reactivity in atomic structure.
MophiA
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Thinking about filling sequence 5s -> 4d or 6s -> 4f, the n=4 orbitals are way smaller than n=5 or 6.

Does this mean "localized"?

Even though the n=4 orbitals are way smaller, close to nucleus, these orbitals have more energy than n=5, 6 orbitals above.

What makes it less reactive?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
less reactive compared to what?
 

Thread 'Flash Joule Heating (FJH) Method for treating process waste streams'

I caught the tail end of a video about a new application for treating chemical or process waste, which is applied to 'red' mud or contaminated bauxite residue, but the person of interest mention recovering critical minerals from consumer electronics, as well as treating mine tailings and processing ores of rare earth elements. What I found so far is the following: New electrical flash method rapidly purifies red mud into strong ceramics, aluminum feedstock...
View full post »

Similar threads

Selection rules in electron transitions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why are some d-electron configurations more stable? (1st row)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why do transition metals have multiple oxidation states?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
I Why are the d and f orbitals in transition metals considered localized?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Trouble understanding the SI definition of 1 second
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
6K
Do all transition metals have the n2 and (n-1)d orbitals?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
3d orbital after 3p?Why not 4s?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
15K
Why do transition metal ions lose s electrons first?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
33K
Unravelling the Mystery of Transition Metals
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Solving Erbium's Ground State w/ Hund's Rules
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K