Question

Which element with the following outer orbital configuration shown here may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states?

• A. $3d^{5}4s^1$
• B. $3d^{5}4s^2$
• C. $3d^{2}4s^2$
• D. $3d^{3}4s^2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $3d^{5}4s^2$

Since the number of valence electrons is maximum in $3d^{5}4s^2$, it shows maximum number of oxidation states. Theoretically, it can go from +1 to +7.