Which of the following set of ions act as oxidising agents?
- Ce4+ and Tb4+
- La3+ and Lu3+
- Eu2+ and Yb2+
- Eu2+ and Tb4+
Answer
(1) Ce4+ and Tb4+
Solution
The most stable oxidation state of lanthanoids is +3.
Ce4+ and Tb4+ readily gain an electron to change to the +3 state, so they act as oxidising agents (E Ce4+/Ce3+ = +1.74 V).
Eu2+ and Yb2+ lose an electron to become +3, so they are reducing agents.
La3+ and Lu3+ are already in the stable +3 state.
Answer: (1)