Question

A transition metal exists in its highest oxygen state. It is expected to behave as

• A. an oxidizing agent
• B. a chelating agent
• C. a reducing agent
• D. a central metal in a co-ordination compound

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Transition metals can exhibit multiple oxidation states, and when a transition metal is in its highest oxidation state, it tends to have a greater affinity for accepting electrons. This makes it more likely to act as an oxidizing agent in chemical reactions.
As an oxidizing agent, the transition metal can accept electrons from other species, causing those species to undergo oxidation by losing electrons. The transition metal itself undergoes reduction by gaining electrons.
Therefore, option (A) an oxidizing agent is the expected behavior of a transition metal in its highest oxidation state.

Answer 2

Correct answer: an oxidizing agent 

When a transition metal is in its highest oxidation state, it has lost many electrons. Therefore, it has a strong tendency to gain electrons back, making it a good oxidizing agent.

Such species can easily accept electrons from other substances, thereby causing oxidation of those substances and undergoing reduction themselves.

Answer 3

If a transition metal exists in its highest oxidation state, it is expected to behave as an oxidizing agent.

Explanation:

• A species in its highest oxidation state cannot be oxidized further. It can only be reduced.
• Oxidizing agents are substances that cause oxidation in other species and are themselves reduced. Since the transition metal is already in its highest oxidation state, it can only accept electrons from other species and thus act as an oxidizing agent.
• Chelating agents are ligands that can bind to a metal ion through multiple points of attachment. While transition metals in various oxidation states can form complexes with chelating agents, being in the highest oxidation state doesn't specifically predispose it to being a chelating agent.
• Reducing agents are substances that cause reduction in other species and are themselves oxidized. A metal in its highest oxidation state is unlikely to act as a reducing agent.
• While transition metals often act as central metals in coordination compounds, being in the highest oxidation state doesn't guarantee or specifically cause it to do so. Metals in lower oxidation states also form coordination compounds.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

An oxidizing agent