Question

Given below are two statements:

Statement-I: CeO${}_2$ can be used for the oxidation of aldehydes and ketones.

Statement-II: Aqueous solution of EuSO${}_4$ is a strong reducing agent.

• A. Statement I is true, statement II is false
• B. Statement I is false, statement II is true
• C. Both Statement I and statement II are false
• D. Both Statement I and statement II are true

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both Statement I and statement II are true

The $+3$ oxidation state of lanthanides is most stable. Therefore, lanthanides in $+4$ oxidation state has strong tendence to gain $e^{-}$ and convert into $+3$ oxidation state and hence act as strong oxidizing agent. Therefore, $\stackrel{+4}{Ce}{O}_2$ is used to oxidized alcohol aldehyde and ketones.
Lanthanides in $+2$ oxidation state has strong tendency to lose $e^{-}$ and convert into $+3$ oxidation state and hence act as strong reducing agent. Therefore, $\stackrel{+2}{Eu}S{O}_4$ act as strong reducing agent.