Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The third transition series consists of the transition metals in the sixth period of the periodic table, spanning from hafnium (Hf) to mercury (Hg). These elements are characterized by partially filled d-orbitals.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The third transition series includes elements with atomic numbers 72 through 80.
These metals exhibit variable oxidation states, which is a key feature of transition metals.
Common properties include high melting points, high densities, and the ability to form colored compounds.
Third transition series elements often form complexes with various ligands due to their d-electrons.
Mercury, an element in this series, is unique because it is a liquid at room temperature.
Review Questions
Related terms
Coordination Complex: A structure consisting of a central metal atom bonded to surrounding molecules or anions called ligands.
A measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom within a compound; indicates how many electrons an atom has gained or lost.
$d$-Orbital: $d$-orbitals are regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons; important for bonding and properties in transition metals.