Chemistry – The Periodic Table - Transition elements | e-Consult

Transition metals have high melting points because of the strong metallic bonding present in their structures. The strength of metallic bonding is directly related to the number of delocalised electrons and the charge of the metal ions. Transition metals typically have multiple valence electrons, leading to a large number of delocalised electrons. This creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the positive metal ions and the electron sea. A significant amount of energy is required to overcome these strong attractions and break the metallic bonds, hence resulting in high melting points. The more delocalised electrons, the stronger the attraction and the higher the melting point.