Question

From the elements of 3d series below, which element shows the maximum number of oxidation states?

• A. Scandium
• B. Manganese
• C. Chromium
• D. Titanium

Hint:

Manganese is the only element in the 3d series that can exhibit oxidation states from +2 to +7, making it the element with the maximum number of oxidation states in this series.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The oxidation states of transition metals are determined by the number of electrons they can lose from their valence shell. The maximum oxidation state is influenced by the number of available d-electrons.

- Scandium (Sc) can only exhibit oxidation states of +3 because it has only one electron in its 4s orbital and readily loses that electron.
- Titanium (Ti) can exhibit oxidation states of +2, +3, and +4, as it has more electrons available for bonding.
- Chromium (Cr) can show oxidation states of +2, +3, +6, but it doesn't reach as many oxidation states as manganese.
- Manganese (Mn) exhibits the maximum number of oxidation states, ranging from +2 to +7. This is because it has five electrons in its 3d orbitals, which can participate in bonding and give rise to a variety of oxidation states.
Manganese is unique because it can easily form multiple oxidation states due to its electron configuration, allowing it to exhibit a broad range of oxidation states.

Step 1: Manganese has a large number of available electrons in its 3d orbitals.


Step 2: The multiple oxidation states of manganese, ranging from +2 to +7, allow it to form various compounds in different oxidation states.