Question

The highest oxidation state of manganese in fluorides is 4+ (MnF₄) but the highest oxidation state in oxides is 7+ (Mn₂O₇) because:

• A. In covalent compounds fluorine can form single bond while oxygen forms double bond
• B. Fluorine stabilises lower oxidation state
• C. Fluorine does not possess d-orbitals
• D. Fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen

Answer 1

The correct option is A In covalent compounds fluorine can form single bond while oxygen forms double bond

The ability of oxygen to stabilise the higher oxidation state is more than that of fluorine. Also, the ability of oxygen to form multiple bonds with metal favours $M{n}_2{O}_7$. Therefore, the highest fluoride of Mn is $Mn{F}_4$ whereas highest oxide is $M{n}_2{O}_7$. In $M{n}_2{O}_7$, each $Mn$ is tetrahedrally surrounded by Os including an $Mn-O-Mn$ bridge.