Post-transition metal

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Transition_metals_in_the_periodic_table
MP_&_EN_plot_of_metals8c
Platinum_crystals
NatCopper
Silver_crystal
Gold-crystals
Zinc_fragment_sublimed_and_1cm3_cube

Post-transition metals are a set of metallic elements in the periodic table located between the transition metals and the metalloids. These elements typically exhibit properties that are intermediate between those of the transition metals and the metalloids. The most commonly recognized post-transition metals include aluminium, gallium, indium, thallium, tin, and lead.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Post-transition metals generally have higher electronegativities and lower melting points compared to transition metals. They also tend to be softer and have higher densities. These elements often form covalent bonds and can exhibit multiple oxidation states, although they are less variable in this respect than the transition metals.

List of Post-Transition Metals[edit | edit source]

The following elements are commonly classified as post-transition metals:

Applications[edit | edit source]

Post-transition metals have a wide range of applications in various industries:

  • Aluminium is widely used in the manufacture of aircraft, automobiles, and packaging materials due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.
  • Gallium is used in electronics, particularly in semiconductors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • Indium is used in the production of touchscreens, flat-panel displays, and solar panels.
  • Thallium has applications in electronics and medical imaging.
  • Tin is used in soldering, coating for steel cans, and in various alloys.
  • Lead is used in batteries, radiation shielding, and in some types of glass.

Chemical Behavior[edit | edit source]

Post-transition metals often form amphoteric oxides, which can react with both acids and bases. They also tend to form complex ions and have a tendency to form covalent compounds. Their chemistry is less dominated by the d-orbitals compared to the transition metals.

Health and Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Some post-transition metals, such as lead and thallium, are toxic and pose significant health risks. Lead exposure can result in neurological damage, particularly in children, while thallium is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues even at low exposure levels.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Categories[edit | edit source]



Stub icon

This chemical element related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD