Transition Metals in Science and Health
- Sylvia Rose
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Transition metals are integral to nature, science, health and technology. Common transition metals include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and silver (Ag).
These elements reside in the center or d-block of the periodic table. They're located between the alkali and alkaline earth metals and the main group elements.
They form strong bonds with others. There are 37 transition metals altogether. They manifest diverse oxidation states and colored compounds.
Many are valued as effective catalysts.
Catalysts speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Transition metals are fundamental to many types of reactions, from industry and aerospace to biological functions.
Science: Chemical Reactions
Transition metals form complexes with other molecules, fundamental to catalysis. The Haber-Bosch process in agriculture converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a plant-friendly ingredient in fertilizers.
This process relies heavily on iron-based catalysts to speed up the reaction driving essential chemical transformations. Study of transition metal complexes gives scientists insight into biochemical reactions.
Technology
Electronics: Copper and nickel are widely used electrical wiring due to excellent conductivity. Gold and silver are used in connectors and other components for their corrosion resistance. Silver is the best conductor among the metals.
Materials Science: Titanium alloys are prized for high strength-to-weight ratio. They're used in aerospace applications.
Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is a fundamental material of building worldwide. Chromium enhances the durability and corrosion resistance of steel, and zinc galvanizes it.
Energy: Nickel-metal hydride batteries power hybrid vehicles. Platinum-based catalysts are used in catalytic converters to reduce emissions from gas engines.
Manufacturing: Tungsten's high melting point makes it ideal for filaments in incandescent light bulbs and cutting tools.
Advancements in nanotechnology explore the unique properties of transition metals. Nanoparticles of gold and silver are used to create more efficient catalysts for chemical reactions.
Nature & Human Health
Transition metals are vital components of life. Enzymes, the biological catalysts driving essential reactions in bodies, contain transition metal ions. Ions include:
Iron: binds to hemoglobin, helping oxygen transport and cellular function. About 70% of the body's iron is in hemoglobin.
Zinc: 300+ enzymes, in processes like immune function or skin health
Copper: essential for enzymes of energy and antioxidant defense
Manganese: photosynthesis in plants; carbohydrate metabolism
Gold: functions in brain health
Silver: antibacterial action
Vanadium: blood sugar regulation
Chromium: enhances action of insulin
Molybdenum: processes proteins; antitoxin properties
Cobalt: a major component of vitamin B12
Transition metals also have environmental implications. Mining and processing can cause habitat destruction and pollution of air, land and waterways.
Mercury and lead, two heavy metals, are serious health risks to humans and ecosystems. Lead exposure is linked to developmental disabilities in US children. This can happen due to lead-based paint, as in old houses.
Transition metals like mercury and cadmium are toxic. Mercury is known from ancient times and cadmium appears in the 19th century. It's first found in condensation of vapors from a furnace roasting zinc oxide.
Metalloproteins are involved in processes like oxygen transport and electron transfer. A metalloprotein is broadly defined as a protein with a metal ion cofactor.
Many proteins fall under this category. For example, at least 1000 human proteins have zinc-binding protein domains, and there could be as many as 3000 human zinc metalloproteins.
Platinum-based drugs are tested in cancer therapy. These drugs can target cancerous cells, helping destroy them while sparing healthy tissue.
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