Inorganic Chemistry: d-Block Elements - SS3 Chemistry Past Questions and Answers - page 4

Transition metals and their compounds find a wide range of applications in various industries and technologies due to their unique properties and versatility. Some of the key applications include:

1.    Catalysis: Transition metals, such as platinum, palladium, and nickel, are widely used as catalysts in numerous industrial processes, including petroleum refining, pharmaceutical production, and environmental protection. Their ability to adopt different oxidation states and form stable intermediates makes them effective catalysts for a wide range of chemical reactions.

2.    Electronics and Magnetism: Transition metals, particularly iron, cobalt, and nickel, are vital in electronics and magnet manufacturing. They are used to create permanent magnets and magnetic storage devices like hard drives. Transition metal oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), are also used as transparent conductors in electronic displays.

3.    Medical Applications: Transition metals have various medical applications. Platinum-based drugs like cisplatin are widely used in chemotherapy to treat cancer. Iron is essential in haemoglobin for oxygen transport in the blood. Gadolinium compounds are used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

4.    Metallurgy and Alloys: Transition metals are essential components in various alloys, improving the mechanical properties of materials. Steel, which contains iron as the base metal with added transition metals like chromium, nickel, and manganese, exhibits enhanced strength and corrosion resistance.

5.    Environmental Remediation: Transition metals are used in environmental remediation to remove pollutants from water and air. They participate in catalytic reactions that break down harmful substances, such as in automobile catalytic converters.

6.    Photovoltaics: Transition metals like copper and cadmium are used in photovoltaic cells for solar energy conversion. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is one of the most efficient and low-cost thin-film solar cell materials.

7.    Nanotechnology: Transition metal nanoparticles have unique properties and are utilised in various nanotechnology applications, including drug delivery, sensors, and environmental remediation.

8.    Pigments and Dyes: Transition metal compounds are used as pigments and dyes, providing vivid colours in paints, ceramics, and textiles. For instance, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used white pigment.

9.    Glass and Ceramics: Transition metal compounds are used in glass and ceramic production to impart specific colours and improve mechanical properties.

Overall, the diverse applications of transition metals and their compounds are a testament to their importance in modern technologies and everyday life. Their unique properties, catalytic activity, and ability to form stable complexes make them indispensable in various industries, leading to continuous research and development in this field.