Transition metals with very high enthalpy of atomization, corresponding to very high boiling points, tend to be noble in their reactions. The enthalpy maxima at about the middle of each series indicate that having one unpaired electron per d orbital is particularly favorable for strong interatomic interaction, influencing the nobility of the metals.
How does the enthalpy of atomization contribute to the nobility of transition metals in their reactions, and what trend is observed in terms of the enthalpy maxima in each series?
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The enthalpy of atomization is a crucial factor contributing to the nobility of transition metals in their reactions. Transition metals with very high enthalpy of atomization, associated with high boiling points, tend to be noble in their reactions. The enthalpy maxima at about the middle of each series, such as d⁵ configuration, indicate that having one unpaired electron per d orbital is particularly favorable for strong interatomic interaction. The greater the number of valence electrons, the stronger the resultant bonding, leading to increased nobility in reactions. This trend is observed consistently in each series of transition metals.