Interstitial compounds of d-block elements are formed when very small atoms like hydrogen, carbon, or nitrogen fit into the gaps between metal atoms in a metal.
Key Points
- Formation: Small atoms occupy spaces in the metal’s crystal structure.
- Properties:
- Very hard and strong
- High melting point
- Still conduct electricity and heat
- The metal-to-small-atom ratio can vary
- Examples:
- Steel: Iron + Carbon → used in buildings and tools
- Tungsten carbide: Tungsten + Carbon → cutting tools
- Titanium hydride: Titanium + Hydrogen → hydrogen storage
In short:
Small atoms fit into the gaps of d-block metals, making the metal stronger and harder without changing its metallic properties.