Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configurations may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states?
- 3d54s1
- 3d54s2
- 3d24s2
- 3d34s2
Answer
(2) 3d54s2
Solution
The maximum oxidation state shown by a 3d element ≈ number of (n-1)d + ns electrons.
3d54s1 (Cr): up to +6; 3d54s2 (Mn): +2 to +7; 3d24s2 (Ti): up to +4; 3d34s2 (V): up to +5
As per NCERT, Mn (3d54s2) shows the largest number of oxidation states.
Answer: (2)