In Class 11 and 12 Chemistry, memorizing the d-block elements (Transition Metals) is essential for chapters like Coordination Compounds and d & f Block. The easiest way to memorize them across their periods (series) is by using funny Hindi mnemonics.
The d-block elements are called 'Transition Elements' because they represent the transition in properties from the highly reactive s-block metals to the less reactive p-block elements.
Elements: Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn).
The Trick (Hindi Mnemonic): "Science Teacher Vineeta Criplani Mange Fevicol, Nahi Toh Cu Zn (Cousin) jal jayega."
Elements: Yttrium (Y), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Technetium (Tc), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd).
The Trick (Hindi Mnemonic): "Yaari Zara Nibhana Maut Tak, Rukawat Raah me Pade toh Aag me Kood (Cd) jana."
Elements: Lanthanum (La), Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), Rhenium (Re), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Mercury (Hg).
The Trick (Hindi Mnemonic): "La Hafta Warna Re, Us (Os) Iron (Ir) rod se Pitega Aur Hospital (Hg) jayega."
According to IUPAC, a true transition element must have partially filled d-orbitals. Zn, Cd, and Hg have completely full d-orbitals (d10 configuration) in both their ground state and common oxidation states.
Hybridization and Structure of Ammonia (NH3)
Learn the hybridization of the central nitrogen atom in Ammonia (NH3). Understand why its shape is trigonal pyramidal and not tetrahedral.
Oxidation Number of Nitrogen in NH3
Learn how to calculate the oxidation number (state) of Nitrogen in the Ammonia (NH3) molecule using simple redox rules.
Electron Configuration of Nickel (Ni)
Learn the electron configuration of Nickel (Ni, Z=28). Understand the ground state configuration [Ar] 3d8 4s2 and its exceptions.
Hybridization of [Ni(CN)4]2- Ion
Understand the dsp2 hybridization of the tetracyanonickelate(II) ion. Learn about strong field ligands and square planar geometry.
Hybridization of Ni(CO)₄
Learn the hybridization of Ni(CO)4 — Nickel tetracarbonyl. Understand why it is sp3 hybridized, tetrahedral, and diamagnetic.
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