Question

The most common oxidation states of cerium are:

• A. +2 and +4
• B. +3 and +4
• C. +3 and +5
• D. +2 and +3

Answer 1

The correct option is B +3 and +4

The electronic configuration of cerium is: $\left[Xe\right]4f^{1}5d^{1}6s^2$

So, for getting stability cerium can easily donate 3 or 4 electrons.

Hence, the most common oxidation states of cerium are +3 and +4.