Tag Archives: transition metal

Nickel
5
Mar

Overview

Nickel is a silvery, ductile transition metal valued for corrosion resistance, catalytic activity and alloying behavior.

Properties

It is ferromagnetic at room temperature, forms stable alloys and exhibits common +2 and +3 oxidation states in compounds.

Occurrence and Uses

Nickel is used in stainless steels, superalloys, electroplating, rechargeable battery cathodes and catalysts in chemical industry.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotopes include Ni 58, Ni 60; nickel compounds can be allergenic and some are carcinogenic, so exposure controls are required in industry.

Chromium
28
Feb

Overview

Chromium is a lustrous, hard metal known for forming corrosion resistant alloys and colorful compounds such as chromiumIII and chromiumVI species.

Properties

It has high melting point, forms a protective oxide layer and displays multiple oxidation states with distinct chemical behavior.

Occurrence and Uses

Chromium is used in stainless steel, electroplating, pigments and refractory materials and is mined from chromite ores.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotope Cr 52 is common; hexavalent chromium compounds are carcinogenic and require strict industrial hygiene and regulatory controls.

Niobium
23
Feb

Overview

Niobium is a soft, gray transition metal valued for its superconducting properties and ability to strengthen steel when alloyed.

Properties

It commonly exhibits a +5 oxidation state, has good corrosion resistance and contributes to high temperature strength in alloys.

Occurrence and Uses

Found in minerals such as columbite and pyrochlore, niobium is used in superalloys, superconducting magnets and specialty steels.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotope Nb 93 predominates; niobium metal is of low toxicity though fine powders require handling controls.

Zirconium
8
Feb

Overview

Zirconium is a lustrous, gray transition metal valued for corrosion resistance, low neutron absorption and high melting point.

Properties

It forms stable oxides, has good mechanical properties at high temperatures and commonly exhibits a +4 oxidation state.

Occurrence and Uses

Zirconium is used in nuclear cladding, chemical processing equipment, refractory materials and advanced ceramics and is derived from zircon mineral.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotopes include Zr 90 to Zr 96; zirconium metal is generally corrosion resistant though fine powders can be reactive and require handling controls.

Scandium
5
Feb

Overview

Scandium is a silvery white transition metal found in trace amounts in rare minerals and often recovered as a byproduct of other mining operations.

Properties

It is lightweight, has good strength to weight ratio in alloys and exhibits typical transition metal chemistry with +3 oxidation state predominating.

Occurrence and Uses

Used in high performance aluminum scandium alloys for aerospace and sporting goods and in metal halide lamps for high intensity lighting.

Isotopes and Safety

Stable isotope Sc 45 is natural; scandium compounds are of low abundance and handled with standard industrial precautions.