Interstitial compoundsHardQuestion 860008
Question
Interstitial compounds of transition metals (e.g., TiC, Fe₃C) are:
- AHard, high-melting, chemically inert, with non-stoichiometric compositionsCorrect
- BSoft and reactive
- CIonic compounds
- DMolecular compounds
Correct answer
Hard, high-melting, chemically inert, with non-stoichiometric compositions
Explanation
Interstitial compounds: small atoms (C, N, H) fit into interstitial voids of the transition metal lattice. Properties: very hard (reinforced structure), high melting points, retain metallic conductivity, chemically less reactive. TiN (gold colour), WC (cutting tools).