*'''Strong oxidizing and reducing agents''' - the transition metals are strong oxidizing agents. This is because of the small energy gap between the (n)s and (n-1)d subshells, allowing the atom to readily lose electrons from each. This results in a number of [[oxidation state]]s and a readiness to change. As such species existing with a high oxidation number will be strong oxidizing agents, whereas species with a low oxidation number will be strong reducing agents. As such they are used extensively in the chemical manufacturing industry and research. | *'''Strong oxidizing and reducing agents''' - the transition metals are strong oxidizing agents. This is because of the small energy gap between the (n)s and (n-1)d subshells, allowing the atom to readily lose electrons from each. This results in a number of [[oxidation state]]s and a readiness to change. As such species existing with a high oxidation number will be strong oxidizing agents, whereas species with a low oxidation number will be strong reducing agents. As such they are used extensively in the chemical manufacturing industry and research. |