File:Periodic table of oxidation number trends.png

English: This table is based on two tables by Fernelius (1986), one of which is a portrait version of Niels Bohr’s 1922 table, and the second of which is a conventional table highlighting oxidation number trends in groups 4 to 10, and most of the p-block.

In the table, the transition metals are in groups 4 to 11 since they can form ions with incomplete d sub-shells that give rise to properties such as variable oxidation states, catalytic behaviour, d-orbital splitting and the ensuing coloured ions/compounds.

Oxidation number details are given for some elements.

Group 3 is bifurcated, in keeping with Bohr’s table. The horizontal bar of the “T” is for Sc —> Ti; the downward bar is for Y —> Lu-Lr. Thus, there are 19 columns but only 18 numbered groups.

La-Ac and Lu-Lr are duplicated in a greyed-out style to make it clearer where the lanthanides and actinides fit into the main body of the table.

The inner transition metals are clearly delineated. Analogously to the transition metals they are all capable of forming ions with incomplete f sub-shells.

The early actinides resemble the transition metals.

Reference

Fernelius WC 1986, 'Some reflections on the periodic table and its use', Journal of Chemical Education, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 263–266.