Question

What transition metal makes a white solid compound?

Answer 1

In transition metal compounds, due to the different symmetries of the d orbitals and the inductive effects of the ligands on the electrons, the d orbitals split apart and become non-degenerate (have different energy levels). Transition metal compounds are colored due to d-d transition.

Zinc componds form white compound despite being a transition metal. The reason behind this is because zinc's d orbitals are completely filled up with electrons with the electronic structure [Ar] 3d¹⁰4s². When it forms an ion, the 4s electrons are lost - again leaving a completely full 3d level, hence it is not possible for any electron to make a d- d transition as they are all filled up.