Question

Which is the strongest oxidising agent among: \[ Cr^{3+}, \; V^{3+}, \; Mn^{3+} \]

Hint:

Half-filled and fully filled d-configurations are especially stable.

Answer 1

An oxidising agent readily gains electrons (gets reduced). Among given ions:

• Mn\(^{3+}\) easily reduces to Mn\(^{2+}\)
• Mn\(^{2+}\) has stable half-filled \(3d^5\) configuration

Due to stability of half-filled configuration, Mn\(^{3+}\) strongly accepts electrons. \[ \therefore Mn^{3+} \text{ is strongest oxidising agent. \]