Question

Why $ Sc(Z=21) $ is not considered as transition element?

• A. Properties of $ Sc $ are similar to alkali metals
• B. $ 3d- $ orbitals are empty in its stable compound
• C. Stable oxidation number of $ Sc $ is $ +2 $
• D. Atomic volume of $ Sc $ is very large

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Outer electronic configuration of $ Sc $ is $ 3{{d}^{1}}, $ $ 4{{s}^{2}} $ In the stable oxidation state ie, +3, the electronic configuration of $ +3 $ is $ S{{c}^{3+}}:1{{s}^{2}},2{{s}^{2}}2{{p}^{6}},3{{s}^{2}}3{{p}^{6}}3{{d}^{0}} $ It shows that 3d subshell is empty. Transition element can refer to those elements which form atleast one ion with a partially filled d shell of electrons. As $ S{{c}^{3+}} $ has no electrons in its d orbital, hence, it is not considered as transition element in the stricter sense.