Transition Elements
. Transition Elements, series of chemical elements that share similar electron orbital structures and hence similar chemical properties. The transition elements are commonly defined as the 30 elements with atomic numbers 21 to 30, 39 to 48, and 71 to 80. PROPERTIES The transition elements exhibit multiple valences or oxidation states typically ranging from +1 to +8 in compounds. In organometallic compounds, consisting of metals bonded to organic species, transition metals sometimes take on negative oxidation states. The transition elements have such typical metallic properties as malleability, ductility, high conductivity of heat and electricity, and metallic luster. They tend to act as reducing agents (donors of electrons), but are less active in this regard than the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, which have valences of +1 and +2, respectively. Transition elements in general have high densities and melting points and exhibit magnetic properties. They form both ionic and cova...