Question

The metal that shows highest and maximum number of oxidation states is:

• A. Fe
• B. Mn
• C. Ti
• D. Co

Hint:

Transition metals have multiple oxidation states due to variable electron loss from \( s \) and \( d \)-orbitals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Oxidation States of Transition Metals
Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states due to the availability of \( d \)-orbitals for bonding.
Step 2: Oxidation States of Given Metals
Mn (Manganese) shows oxidation states ranging from \( +2 \) to \( +7 \), making it the metal with the highest oxidation states.
Fe (Iron) shows \( +2, +3, +6 \).
Co (Cobalt) shows \( +2, +3, +4 \).
Ti (Titanium) shows \( +2, +3, +4 \).
Final Answer: Mn exhibits the highest number of oxidation states.

Answer 2

The question asks which metal exhibits the highest number of oxidation states.

Manganese (Mn) is the metal that shows the highest and maximum number of oxidation states among the given options. This is due to its electronic configuration and ability to achieve several oxidation states ranging from +2 to +7.

Explanation:

Manganese has the electronic configuration:

\[ \text{[Ar]} 3d^5 4s^2 \]

This configuration allows manganese to lose different numbers of \(3d\) and \(4s\) electrons, leading to multiple oxidation states. The versatility in switching oxidation states makes Mn highly reactive and forms various compounds.

The common oxidation states of manganese include +2, +3, +4, +6, and +7, with +7 being the highest, representing the maximum oxidation state exhibited by manganese.

The other metals listed—iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), and cobalt (Co)—display fewer oxidation states compared to manganese:

Metal	Possible Oxidation States
Fe	+2, +3
Mn	+2, +3, +4, +6, +7
Ti	+2, +3, +4
Co	+2, +3

Thus, the correct answer is Mn.