MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

Transition metals crystallize in close-packed structures such as hcp, ccp, or bcc. These crystal lattices contain empty spaces or voids known as interstitial sites. Small non-metallic atoms like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and boron can easily occupy these interstitial sites without significantly distorting the original crystal lattice. Due to the presence of these interstitial sites (voids) in their crystal lattice, transition elements have a high tendency to form interstitial compounds. Answer: Presence of interstitial sites (voids) in the crystal lattice