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3d-block Transition Metal Advanced A Level Inorganic Chemistry: Appendix 12 3d block-transition metal complex ions and hydroxide precipitates in pictures!

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 INDEX of advanced revision notes on 3d block and transition metal chemistry

 All my advanced UK A level (~US grades 11-12 honors) inorganic chemistry notes

 GCSE level (~US grade 9-10) basic Transition Metal Chemistry Revision Notes

Appendix 12 Pictures of precipitates and complex formation for 3d block transition metal ions

Periodic Table - Transition Metal Chemistry - Doc Brown's Chemistry

Revising Advanced Level Inorganic Chemistry Periodic Table Revision Notes.

The formation of 3d block transition metal hydroxides

Some 'test tube' pictures of a variety of soluble transition metal complex ions and precipitates of insoluble complexes.

Prior to, and with, excess reagent for selected 3d block aqueous ions.

They can be used as simple tests for identifying transition metal ions.

Text and formula summary of these reactions of 3d block ions is given below but there are more details in most cases in the notes for each metal for ...

[M(H2O)6]n+ where M = metal, n = 2 or 3 and Al3+ for comparison (See Chemical Tests for more precipitates)

... and many are useful simple tests to identify metal ions (ppt. = precipitate, gel. = gelatinous)

Reagent\Ion and initial colour Cr3+(aq)

green

Mn2+(aq) very pale pink ~ colourless Fe2+(aq)

pale green

Fe3+(aq)

yellow–brown

Co2+(aq)

pink

Ni2+(aq)

green

Cu2+(aq)

blue

Zn2+(aq)

colourless

Al3+(aq)

colourless

initial NaOH(aq)

strong base/alkali

green gel. ppt. of

Cr(OH)3

white gel. ppt. but darkens with oxidation

Mn(OH)2 ==> Mn2O3  ==> MnO2

dark green ppt.  => brown on oxidation

Fe(OH)2 ==> Fe(OH)3

brown gel. ppt. of

Fe(OH)3

blue gel.  ppt. that turns pink on standing

Co(OH)2

green gel. ppt. of

Ni(OH)2

gel. blue ppt. of

Cu(OH)2

white gel.  ppt. of

Zn(OH)2

white gel.  ppt. of

Al(OH)3

excess NaOH(aq)

strong base/alkali

ppt. dissolves to give clear green solution of complex ion

[Cr(OH)6]3–

no further effect – just as above with more oxidation no further effect – just as above with more oxidation no further effect – just as above with more oxidation no further effect no further effect There is a slight reaction, a deeper blue colour is seen, but, the hydroxide precipitate is effectively insoluble. See Copper Notes ppt. dissolves – clear solution, colourless complex ion

[Zn(OH)4]2–

ppt. dissolves – clear solution, colourless  complex ion

[Al(OH)6]3–

initial NH3(aq)

weak base/alkali

green gel. ppt. of

Cr(OH)3

white ppt. darkens with oxidation from O2

Mn(OH)2 ==> Mn2O3 ==> MnO2 

dark green ppt. turns brown – oxidation

Fe(OH)2 ==> Fe(OH)3

brown gel. ppt. of

Fe(OH)3

blue gel. ppt. that turns pink on standing

Co(OH)2

green gel. ppt. of

Ni(OH)2

gel. blue ppt. of

Cu(OH)2

white gel. ppt. of

Zn(OH)2

white gel. ppt. of

Al(OH)3

excess NH3(aq)

weak base/alkali

dissolves – clear green solution of complex ion

[Cr(NH3)6]3+

no further effect no further effect no further effect ppt. dissolves – clear brown solution of complex ion

[Co(NH3)6]2+

dissolves – clear pale blue solution of complex ion

[Ni(NH3)6]2+

ppt. dissolves to give clear blue solution of complex ion

[Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+

ppt. dissolves – clear colourless solution of

[Zn(NH3)4]2+

no further effect
adding of Na2CO3(aq)

weak base/alkali

green gel. ppt. +  bubbles

Cr(OH)3 + CO2

white ppt. that darkens with oxidation

MnCO3 ==> Mn2O3  ==> MnO2

dark green ppt. turns brown – oxidation

Fe(OH)2 ==> Fe(OH)3

brown gel. ppt. + bubbles

Fe(OH)3 + CO2

blue gel. ppt. that turns pink on standing

Co(OH)2 + CoCO3

green gel. ppt of

Ni(OH)2 + NiCO3

gel. blue–turquoise ppt.

Cu(OH)2 + CuCO3

white gel. ppt of

Zn(OH)2 + ZnCO3

 white gel. ppt. + bubbles

Al(OH)3+ CO2

Reagent/Ion and initial colour Cr3+(aq)

green

Mn2+(aq) very pale pink ~ colourless Fe2+(aq)

pale green

Fe3+(aq)

yellow–brown

Co2+(aq)

pink

Ni2+(aq)

green

Cu2+(aq)

blue

Zn2+(aq)

colourless

Al3+(aq)

colourless

**************** **************** ************** **************** ************ **************** *************** ************************ **************** **************

For detailed equations of these reactions for the 3d-block elements, including the transition metals, go to the specific chemistry sections for that metal via the index below

Scandium * Titanium * Vanadium * Chromium * Manganese * Iron * Cobalt * Nickel * Copper * Zinc

and there also useful equations described is Appendix 1. Hydrated salts, acidity of hexa–aqua ions


The comparison equations for the aluminium ion (NOT a 3d block or transition metal)

  • BUT, the equations are very similar to those of aluminium, but watch out for the oxidation state.

  • The addition of limited amounts of the bases sodium hydroxide or ammonia solution to an aluminium salt solution.

    • [Al(H2O)6]3+(aq) + 3OH(aq) ==> [Al(H2O)3(OH)3](s) + 3H2O(aq)

    • A white gelatinous precipitate of aluminium hydroxide is formed.

      • Simplified equation: Al3+(aq) + 3OH(aq) ==> Al(OH)3(s)

  • The further addition of excess sodium hydroxide or ammonia solution.

    • With excess ammonia there is no effect, but with excess sodium hydroxide the aluminium hydroxide dissolves to form a soluble aluminate complex anion – therefore exhibiting amphoteric behaviour. since the hydroxide will also dissolve in acids (paragraph below NaOH equation).

    • [Al(H2O)3(OH)3](s) + 3OH(aq) ==> *[Al(OH)6]3–(aq) + 3H2O(aq)

      • Simplified equation: Al(OH)3(s) + 3OH(aq) ==> *[Al(OH)6]3–(aq)

      • *The products will be an equilibrium mixture including [Al(H2O)2(OH)4](aq) and [Al(H2O)(OH)5]2–(aq) too.

      • You could write the equation in terms of forming these species too and any of the three possibilities should get you the marks.

    • To complete the 'amphoteric' picture of aluminium hydroxide we consider it dissolving in mineral acids to form typical salts e.g. aluminium chloride, aluminium nitrate and aluminium sulfate.

      • Al(OH)3(s) + 3HCl(aq) ==> AlCl3(aq) + 3H2O(l)

      • Al(OH)3(s) + 3HNO3(aq) ==> Al(NO3)3(aq) + 3H2O(l)

      • 2Al(OH)3(s) + 3H2SO4(aq) ==> Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 6H2O(l)

  • The addition of sodium carbonate solution to an aluminium salt solution.

    • Bubbles of carbon dioxide and a white gelatinous precipitate of aluminium hydroxide are formed.

      • 2[Al(H2O)6]3+(aq) + 3CO32–(aq) ==> 2[Al(H2O)3(OH)3](s) + 3CO2(g) + 3H2O(aq)

      • There several equation 'permutations' to represent this quite complicated reaction, so I've just composed one that shows the formation of both observed products. Since sodium carbonate solution is alkaline you can legitimately write a hydroxide ppt. equation as for sodium hydroxide above but it doesn't show the formation of carbon dioxide.

        • You can write an equation to show the formation of carbon dioxide leaving a soluble cationic complex of aluminium in solution and this equation fits in well with the acid–base nature of this reaction.

          • [Al(H2O)6]3+(aq) + CO32–(aq) ==> 2[Al(H2O)4(OH)2]+(aq) + CO2(g) + 3H2O(aq)

          • This equation shows the hexaaquaaluminium ion acting as a Bronsted–Lowry acid donating two protons to the carbonate ion (B–L base) to form carbon dioxide and water.

      • This reaction shows why 'aluminium carbonate' 'Al2(CO3)3' cannot exist. The hydrated highly charged central metal ion is too acidic to co–exist with a carbonate ion. The same situation applies to the chromium(III) Cr3+ and iron(III) Fe3+ ions i.e. no chromium(III) carbonate or iron(III) carbonate exists. However with a lesser charged, lesser acidic ion, carbonates can exist, so there is an iron(II) carbonate FeCO3.

  • The addition of excess sodium carbonate solution has no further effect.

    • Sodium carbonate is too weak a base to effect the amphoteric nature of aluminium hydroxide and dissolve the aluminium hydroxide precipitate.

    Appendix 1. Hydrated salts, acidity of hexa–aqua ions * Appendix 2. Complexes and ligands

INORGANIC Part 10 3d block TRANSITION METALS sub–index:

10.1–10.2 Introduction to 3d–block Transition Metal chemistry

10.3 Chemistry of Scandium  *  10.4 Chemistry of Titanium

10.5 Chemistry of Vanadium  *  10.6 Chemistry of Chromium

10.7 Chemistry of Manganese  *  10.8 Chemistry of Iron

10.9 Chemistry of  Cobalt  *  10.10 Chemistry of Nickel

10.11 Chemistry of Copper  *  10.12 Chemistry of Zinc

10.13 Selected chemistry of other Transition Metals e.g. Ag and Pt

Appendix 1. Hydrated salts, acidity of hexa–aqua ions

Appendix 2. Complexes and ligands

Appendix 3. Complexes and isomerism

Appendix 4. Electron configuration and colour theory

Appendix 5. Redox equations, feasibility of reaction, Eø calculations

Appendix 6. Catalysis - types and effectiveness

Appendix 7. Redox equations - construction and balancing

Appendix 8. Stability constants of complexes and entropy changes

Appendix 9. Colorimetric analysis and determining a complex ion formula

Appendix 10 3d block – extended data table

Appendix 11 3d–block transition metal complexes, oxidation states & electrode potentials

Appendix 12 Hydroxide complex precipitate 'pictures', formulae and equations

Advanced Level Inorganic Chemistry Periodic Table Index: Part 1 Periodic Table history * Part 2 Electron configurations, spectroscopy, hydrogen spectrum, ionisation energies * Part 3 Period 1 survey H to He * Part 4 Period 2 survey Li to Ne * Part 5 Period 3 survey Na to Ar * Part 6 Period 4 survey K to Kr and important trends down a group * Part 7 s–block Groups 1/2 Alkali Metals/Alkaline Earth Metals * Part 8  p–block Groups 3/13 to 0/18 * Part 9 Group 7/17 The Halogens * Part 10 3d block elements & Transition Metal Series * Part 11 Group & Series data & periodicity plots * All 11 Parts have their own sub–indexes near the top of the pages

Periodic Table - Transition Metal Chemistry - Doc Brown's Chemistry.   Revising Advanced Level Inorganic Chemistry Periodic Table Revision Notes. Website content © Dr Phil Brown 2000+. All copyrights reserved on Doc Brown's chemistry revision notes, images, quizzes, worksheets etc.  Copying of Doc Brown's website material is NOT permitted of  Revision notes on the 3d-block and transition metals series, Website content © Dr Phil Brown 2000+. All copyrights reserved on revision notes, images, quizzes, worksheets etc. Copying of website material is NOT permitted. Exam revision summaries & references to science course specifications are unofficial. Website content © Dr Phil Brown 2000+. All copyrights reserved on these organic chemistry exam revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, these A level chemistry revision notes are suitable for use of pre-university students studying AQA advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, Edexcel advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, OCR advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, IB advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, WJEC (Eduqas) advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, CIE Cambridge advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, CCEA advanced A level inorganic chemistry revision notes on identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, and useful for US grade 11 grade 12 AP honors inorganic chemistry courses involving identifying 3d-block elements & transition metals from their hydroxide precipitates, Explaining the importance of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals in inorganic chemistry, What you need to know about colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals for inorganic chemistry, Explaining the use of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals knowledge in inorganic chemistry, Examples of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals explained when studying inorganic chemistry, What is the significance of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals in inorganic chemistry, What is the use of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals in inorganic chemistry  Describing and explaining the theory of colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals when studying inorganic chemistry, exam revision notes for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals in exams, online help for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals, revision notes for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals, what do I need to learn for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals in exams? revision summary for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals, help in teaching colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals, learning notes for colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals, help to pass the colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals exam, how to prepare for examination questions on colours of hydroxide precipitates of transition metals?


Index of all my 3d block and Transition Metal Notes

Advanced level organic chemistry revision notes

Advanced level inorganic chemistry revision notes

Advanced level physical-theoretical revision notes

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