Question

Why does cerium have 4 oxidation states?

Answer 1

Cerium:

• Cerium is an atomic number 58 and has the atomic symbol Ce.
• Cerium is a silvery-white soft, ductile metal that tarnishes when exposed to air.

Oxidation State of Cerium:

1. Cerium belongs to the lanthanide series of elements.
2. The electronic configuration of Cerium is: $\left[\mathrm{Xe}\right]4{\mathrm{f}}^{2}5{\mathrm{d}}^{0}6{\mathrm{s}}^2$
3. As a result, it can lose the outermost four electrons in the s and f orbitals to attain the inert gas electronic configuration.
4. Hence, the oxidation state of Cerium is +4.