Question

Write any three salient features of oxidation states of transition elements.

Answer 1

Transition elements show variable oxidation states unlike s and p block elements.The oxidation states changes in one unit e.g. $F{e}^{2+}$ and $F{e}^{+3},C{u}^{+1}$ and $C{u}^{+2}$.

Scandium can have an oxidation number of (+II) if both s electrons are used for bonding and (+III) when two s and one d electrons are involved. Similarly all the elements show variable oxidation states depending upon the number of electrons available for bonding in their s and d sub-shells.