Which elements belong to the first transition series?

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The first transition series consists of the elements with atomic numbers 21 through 30. While definitions can vary slightly regarding the inclusion of specific elements based on their chemical properties, the series is generally defined as beginning with scandium (atomic number 21) or titanium (atomic number 22) and ending with zinc (atomic number 30).1

The elements typically included in this series are:

  • Scandium (Sc, 21)
  • Titanium (Ti, 22)
  • Vanadium (V, 23)
  • Chromium (Cr, 24)
  • Manganese (Mn, 25)
  • Iron (Fe, 26)
  • Cobalt (Co, 27)
  • Nickel (Ni, 28)
  • Copper (Cu, 29)
  • Zinc (Zn, 30)

It is important to note that because scandium does not form compounds analogous to the other transition metals, and zinc exhibits few of the properties characteristic of the other transition metals, they are sometimes treated separately from the main transition metals in specific chemical contexts.1