Question

The exhibition of various oxidation states by an element is also related to the outer orbital electronic configuration of its atom. Atom(s) having which of the following outermost electronic configurations will exhibit more than one oxidation state in its compounds.

• A. $3s^{2}3p^3$
• B. $3s^1$
• C. $3d^{2}4s^2$
• D. $3d^{1}4s^2$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

$3d^{2}4s^2$

A) $3s^1$ configuration,
This configuration allows the donation of only one electron and exists in $+1$ oxidation state. Thus, it can show only one oxidation state.

B) $3d^{1}4s^2$ configuration
This configuration can exist only in $+3$ oxidation state, because upon losing $3$ valence electrons it attains stable noble gas configuration.
Thus, it can show only one oxidation state.

C) $3d^{2}4s^2$ configuration
This configuration shows variable oxidation states of $+2,+3$ and $+4$.

D) $3s^{2}3p^3$ configuration
It is a $p$ block element.
This configuration can show variable oxidation states of $+3$ and $+5$.

Hence, the correct options are $\left(C\right)$ and $\left(D\right)$.