Question

Why does the +3 and +4 oxidation state of Cerium (Ce) remain stable?

Hint:

The stability of oxidation states in lanthanides depends on electronic configuration and lattice energy.

Answer 1

Cerium (\( Ce \)) has an atomic number of 58, with the electronic configuration: \[ [Xe] 4f^1 5d^1 6s^2. \] The \( +3 \) state is stable due to the removal of outer electrons (\( 6s^2, 5d^1 \)), while the \( +4 \) state achieves a stable \( 4f^0 \) configuration.