Electron configurations
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The video here uses the relevant section of the Royal Society of Chemistry's periodic table website to show the electron configurations of the first row of the transition elements
Use the video to find out what is surprising about the electron configuration of
Transition metals are defined as D block elements which have at least one ion which contains an incomplete d electron sub shell.
Transition metal ions and complex ions
Metal ions can form complex ions - where the metal ion is surrounded by a number of other ions or molecules which bond by forming dative covalent ( or coordinate) bonds with the central metal ion.
Transition metals are no exception and because (by definition) their ions have incomplete d orbitals, this leads to absorption of light in the visible spectrum and therefore gives the transition metal complex ions distinctive colours.
The colour produced by a transition metal ion will change if the ligand changes. These colour changes can be used to identify specific ions.
A Hexadentate ligand
EDTA is used as a food preservative as it forms a stable complex with transition metal ions and "locks them up", reducing their ability to catalyse food deterioration reactions.
Iron ions are at the centre of haemoglobin. The ability to bond with oxygen is key to the oxygen carrying ability of blood.
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of cancers.
It works in part by binding to DNA and inhibiting its replication.
Catalysis
This video helps to explain heterogeneous catalysis.