The Chemistry of Art > 4. The Transition Metals > Using The Complex Ions of a Transition Metal >
Explain, using the complex ions of a transition metal as an example, why species containing transition metals in a high oxidation state will be strong oxidising agent
- It doesn’t take large amounts of energy for oxidation to occur because the 4s and 3d subshells are of similar energy levels
- Therefore transition metals are easily reduced or oxidised
- Transition metal ions with a high oxidation state make strong oxidising agents
- This is as how strong an oxidising agent is, is dependent on how easily they accept electrons
- They also possess high E (standard potential) values
Example:
MnO4–
- Poweful oxidation agent in acidic solution
- Widely used in analytical chemistry
- The transition metal in this complex has a very high oxidation state and hence a greater attraction for electrons
- Have lost a large number of electrons
- Smaller radius
Half Equation
MnO4– (aq) + 8H+ (aq) + 6e–àMn2+(aq) + 4H2O (l)