f-Block Iron and steels are the most important construction materials. Their production is based on the reduction of iron oxides, the removal of impurities and the addition of carbon and alloying metals such as Cr, Mn and Ni. Some compounds are manufactured for special purposes such as TiO for the pigment industry and MnO for use in dry battery cells. The battery industry also requires Zn and Ni/Cd.
The elements of Group are still worthy of being called the coinage metals, although Ag and Au Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit + oxidation state. Cerium ( Z = )