Question

Why does Scandium not show a plus 2 oxidation state?

Answer 1

• Scandium is a d-block element.
• Its atomic number is $21.$
• The electronic configuration is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3p^{6}3d^{1}4s^2.$
• If Scandium acquires a +2 oxidation state, i.e., loses 2 electrons, then its electronic configuration becomes $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3p^{6}3d^1.$
• This electronic configuration is not stable.
• But if Scandium loses one more electron then it will attain a noble gas configuration that is most stable. The electronic configuration will be $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3p^6.$
• So, Scandium does not show a plus 2 oxidation state.