Question

Actinoids shows variable oxidation state.why?

Answer 1

Actinides show a variety of oxidation states from +3 to +6.

• This is due to the very small energy gap between 5f, 6d and 7s sub shells.
• The principal oxidation states are +3 and +4 and +3 oxidation state is the most stable.
• The +4 oxidation state is the most stable in Th and Pu.
• +5 in Pa and Np and +6 is seen in U.
• The distributions of oxidation states in actinides are uneven.