Introduction to Transition Metal Chemistry:

1.3. 3. ROLE IN ORGANIC & INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

A. Inorganic Chemistry Roles

• Formation of Coordination Complexes:
• Eg: [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ in cyanide poisoning tests.
• Oxidation–Reduction Reactions:
• MnO₄⁻ (permanganate) → strong oxidizing agent.
• Industrial Catalysis:
• Fe in ammonia synthesis (Haber process).
• V₂O₅ in sulfuric acid production (Contact process).

B. Organic Chemistry Roles

• Catalysts in Organic Reactions:
• Pd, Pt in hydrogenation of alkenes (used in making margarine, drugs).
• Ni in cross-coupling reactions.
• Organometallic Compounds:
• Fe(CO)₅, Cr(CO)₆ used in synthesis and as catalysts.
• Electron Transfer Agents:
• Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox pairs in biological systems (cytochromes).

4. MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCE CONNECTIONS

✅ Iron (Fe):

• Present in hemoglobin → transports oxygen.
• Iron deficiency → anemia.

✅ Cobalt (Co):

• In Vitamin B₁₂ → essential for red blood cell formation.

✅ Copper (Cu):

• In enzymes like cytochrome oxidase for cellular respiration.
• Deficiency → anemia, bone abnormalities.

✅ Zinc (Zn):

• In enzyme catalysis, wound healing, immune function.

✅ Manganese (Mn) & Chromium (Cr):

• Cofactors in metabolism & glucose regulation.

6. QUICK EXAMPLES OF TRANSITION METAL USES

Metal	Inorganic Role	Organic/Catalytic Role	Medical Role
Fe	Forms Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ complexes	Catalyst in Haber process	Hemoglobin oxygen transport
Cu	Blue Cu²⁺ complexes	Catalyst in organic synthesis	Enzymes (oxidases)
Zn	Zn²⁺ complexes	Lewis acid in synthesis	Wound healing, enzymes
Co	Forms stable complexes	Organometallics	Vitamin B₁₂

 

SUMMARY

• Transition metals are versatile elements with partially filled d-orbitals.
• They show variable oxidation states, colored compounds, complex formation, and catalytic properties.
• They play vital roles in organic/inorganic chemistry AND biological systems (Fe in