Question

Why Zinc is not regarded as a transition element?

Hint:

Transition metals typically have an incomplete d-orbital in their ground or common oxidation states, which is not the case for zinc.

Answer 1

Zinc is classified as a non-transition element because neither its ground state nor its typical oxidation states feature an incomplete d-orbital. The electronic configuration of zinc is \( [Ar]\, 3d^{10}4s^2 \). In its most common oxidation state, \( +2 \), the configuration is \( [Ar]\, 3d^{10} \), indicating a completely filled d-orbital. To qualify as a transition metal, an element must possess at least one incomplete d-orbital in either its ground state or common oxidation states. Consequently, zinc does not exhibit characteristic transition metal properties like variable oxidation states and the formation of colored complexes.
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