Sc forms 3+ ions, losing the two 4s electrons and a 3d electron (1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6) Zn forms 2+ ions, losing only the two 4s electrons (1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6, 3d10) The elements of group 12 i.e., Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury are generally not regarded as transition elements as their atoms and all ions formed have completely filled d-orbitals i.e., these do not have partially filled d-orbitals in atomic state or common oxidation state (Zn 2+, Cd 2+, Hg 2+). Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Transition elements are defined as elements that form at least one ion that contains partially filled d orbitals. The electronic configuration for a zinc atom is 1s 2, 2s 2, 2p 6, 3s 2, 3p 6, 4s 2, 3d 10. Hello, it's Gloria! By definition, a transition metal must do this. Zinc is not consider as a transition metal because its compounds or ions (Zn2+) contain a full filled d-orbital or sub shell and are unstable.Moreover it have only one ion which is the (Zn2+). Scandium and zinc are not transition metals simply because they do not form ions with incomplete d-subshells. Zinc is not consider as a transition metal because its compounds or ions (Zn2+) contain a full filled d-orbital or sub shell and are unstable.Moreover it have only one ion which is the (Zn2+). Transition metals look shiny and metallic. Explain why Zinc is not classified as a transition metal but is classified as a d block element. This is because it has a relatively low melting and boiling point; in general transition metals have HIGH melting and boiling points, melting at 420 °C, and boiling at 900 °C, and has the lowest melting point of all the transition metals aside from mercury and cadmium. Start studying Transition Metals. The chemistry of zinc is almost entirely governed by its +2 ion charge. Hence zinc do not form colored aqueous ions because it do not have at least one vacant d-orbital in which it can receive an electron in a reaction. :D. Okay, I did my research and I found the reason why 'Zinc is not considered to be a transition metal'. Therefore, Scandium is not a transition metal, because it forms only Sc3+ ions with n d-electrons, and Zn is not a transition metal because it forms only Zn2+ ions with all the 3d electrons present. Most transition metals are grayish or white (like iron or silver), but gold and copper have colors not seen in … A Zn 2+ cation has shed the two electrons in … Zinc is generally not considered a transition metal as it has a full d-shell, though it is considered a transition metal in some texts. A transition metal element is defined as an element that possesses an incomplete d sub-level in one or more of its oxidation states. These metals tend to be very hard. 13.2.2 Explain why Sc and Zn are not considered to be transition elements. Zinc has full d orbits and therefore does not meet the definition of a transition metal, which is "a metal that forms one or more stable ions with incomplete d orbits". The transition metals are malleable (easily hammered into shape or bent). Scandium is not a typical transition metal as its common Sc 3+ has no d electrons. Hence zinc do not form colored aqueous ions because it do not have at least one vacant d-orbital in which it can receive an electron in a reaction. The transition metals are compounds that form at least 1 stable ion where the compound has an incomplete d subshell.