Question

Which one amongst the following are good oxidizing agents?
(A) \( \text{Sm}^{\text{2+}}\)
(B) \(\text{Ce}^{\text{2+}}\)
(C)\( \text{Ce}^{\text{4+}}\)
(D) \(\text{Tb}^{\text{4+}}\)
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. C only
• B. C and D only
• C. A and B only
• D. D only

Hint:

Good oxidizing agents are species that readily accept electrons to attain a stable oxidation state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

• Ce⁴⁺ acts as a good oxidizing agent because it readily accepts electrons to attain the more stable Ce³⁺ configuration.
• Tb4+ also acts as a good oxidizing agent because it gets reduced to the more stable Tb³⁺ configuration.
• Sm²⁺ and Ce²⁺ are reducing agents as they tend to lose electrons to attain stable configurations.
Thus, the good oxidizing agents are Ce⁴⁺ and Tb⁴⁺.