Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the ion Au⁺?
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds
Electron Configurations of Transition Metals
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What is the electron configuration of the transition metal zirconium (Zr) in the compound ZrCl3?
A
[Kr] 4d2 5s2
B
[Kr] 4d1 5s1
C
[Kr] 4d2 5s1
D
[Kr] 4d3 5s1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of zirconium (Zr), which is 40. This means Zr has 40 electrons in its neutral state.
Recall the electron configuration for a neutral zirconium atom: [Kr] 4d2 5s2. This configuration is based on filling the electron orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Consider the compound ZrCl3. In this compound, zirconium is likely to lose electrons to form a positive ion. Transition metals often lose electrons from the s orbital before the d orbital.
Determine the oxidation state of zirconium in ZrCl3. Chlorine typically has a -1 charge, so with three chlorine atoms, zirconium must have a +3 charge to balance the charges, indicating it loses 3 electrons.
Adjust the electron configuration for Zr3+ by removing electrons from the 5s and 4d orbitals. Start by removing from the 5s orbital, then the 4d orbital, resulting in the configuration: [Kr] 4d1 5s1.
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