Which of the following is NOT a characteristic property of transition elements?

  • A. Variable oxidation states
  • B. Formation of complex ions
  • C. Catalytic activity
  • D. Low melting points and softness

Explanation

Transition metals are hard, dense and high melting, because both the 3d and 4s electrons contribute to metallic bonding, and tungsten melts at over 3400 degrees Celsius. The other three properties all follow from the partly filled d subshell. The soft, low melting, low density metals are those of group I, which is the contrast being tested here.

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