What are interstitial compounds? Why are such compounds well known for transition metals?


Small atoms such as H, N, or C are trapped inside the crystal lattices of metals, forming interstitial compounds.
They are usually non-stoichiometric and neither ionic nor covalent in nature.
Due to their closed crystalline structure with vacancies, interstitial compounds are well-known for transition compounds.
Final answer:
Small atoms such as H, N, or C are trapped inside the crystal lattices of metals, forming interstitial compounds.Due to their closed crystalline structure with vacancies they are known for transition compounds.