Question

An element of $3d-$ transition series shows two oxidation states $x$ and $y$, differ by two units then:

• A. compounds in oxidation state $x$ are ionic if $x>y$
• B. compounds in oxidation state $x$ are ionic if $x<y$
• C. compounds in oxidation state $y$ are covalent if $x<y$
• D. compounds in oxidation state $y$ are covalent if $y<x$

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

compounds in oxidation state $x$ are ionic if $x<y$
compounds in oxidation state $y$ are covalent if $x<y$

When a 3d transition element shows two different oxidation states that differ by 2 units then the compounds in the lower oxidation state are ionic and the compounds in the higher oxidation state are covalent.
Usually in +2 and +3 oxidation states, the bonds formed are mostly ionic while in higher oxidation states the bonds formed are covalent.