Q50 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (17 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
Why transition elements have more tendency to form interstitial compounds?
- Correct answerAPresence of interstitial sites (voids) in the crystal lattice
- BThey have reducing property
- CThey have low ionization enthalpy
- DThey have same atomic size.
Solution
Transition metals crystallize in close-packed structures such as hcp, ccp, or bcc.
These crystal lattices contain empty spaces or voids known as interstitial sites.
Small non-metallic atoms like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and boron can easily occupy these interstitial sites without significantly distorting the original crystal lattice.
Due to the presence of these interstitial sites (voids) in their crystal lattice, transition elements have a high tendency to form interstitial compounds.
Answer: Presence of interstitial sites (voids) in the crystal lattice
These crystal lattices contain empty spaces or voids known as interstitial sites.
Small non-metallic atoms like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and boron can easily occupy these interstitial sites without significantly distorting the original crystal lattice.
Due to the presence of these interstitial sites (voids) in their crystal lattice, transition elements have a high tendency to form interstitial compounds.
Answer: Presence of interstitial sites (voids) in the crystal lattice
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.