Transition elements and complex compounds microscale experiment | 16–18 years

Preview of the Transition metals microscale experiment student sheet, teacher and technician notes and the article index image of extracting blood from Atlantic horseshoe crabs

Source: © Andrew J. Martinez/Science Photo Library/Royal Society of Chemistry

Try this microscale practical investigating the transition elements, complex formation and change in oxidation state. Includes kit list and safety instructions

In this practical activity, A-level and equivalent learners conduct a series of microscale experiments to model sustainable practices in the laboratory as they investigate the chemistry of the transition elements. Learners will use experimental evidence to identify reactions involving complex formation and changes in metal oxidation states by observing redox and precipitation reactions and their colour changes. See the Teaching notes and expected observations for each reaction and find the answers to the student sheet questions in the teacher notes download. The experiment will take approximately 20 minutes.

Make your lessons pop

Choose an account option to continue exploring our full range of articles and teaching resources

Register for a personal account

Free

Free access for everyone, everywhere. If you only need a few resources, start here.


What's included

  • One free teaching resource each month
  • Five free Education in Chemistry articles each month
  • Personalised email alerts and bookmarks
UK and Ireland only

Join Teach Chemistry

Free for eligible users

Free and comprehensive access for teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.


What's included

  • Unlimited access to our resources and practical videos
  • Unlimited access to Education in Chemistry articles
  • Access to our online assessments
  • Our teacher well-being toolkit and personal development resources
  • Applications for funding to support your lessons

Subscribe for extended access

£80 per year

Get unlimited articles and resources each month, plus discounts on professional development courses.


What's included

  • Unlimited access to our resources and practical videos
  • Unlimited access to Education in Chemistry articles
  • 10% off our self-led professional development courses