Question

What are interstitial compounds why are such compounds well known for transition metal?

Answer 1

The compounds formed when small atoms of H, C or N get trapped inside the crystal lattice of metals are known as interstitial compounds.

A number of interstitial compounds are formed by the transition metals. Transition metals react with elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, boron etc. to form interstitial compounds.The chemical properties of the parent transition metals are not altered during the formation of interstitial compounds. However, there are various changes in the physical properties such as density, rigidity, hardness, malleability, ductility, electrical conductivity etc. Steel and cast iron are the interstitial compounds of iron which are formed with carbon. In the formation of these compounds, the malleability and ductility of iron is lost to a great extent, but the tenacity of the metal increases.

Transition metals are d block metals they have large surface area compared to other metals or elements
Due to which small elements get trapped between them forming an interstitial compound.
 

Answer 2

Answer:

Transition metals are large in size and they also contain lots of interstitial sites.

These interstitial sites can be used to trap atoms of other elements (that have small atomic size), such as H, C, N. The compounds resulting are called interstitial compounds.