Question

How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of non-transition metals? Illustrate with examples

Answer 1

Variation of oxidation state:

• In the case of transition elements, the oxidation state can vary from +1 to the highest oxidation state by removing all its valence electrons.
• Therefore, in transition elements, the oxidation states differ by 1.
• Example: The oxidation states of $\mathrm{Mn}$ are +2, +3, +4,+5, +6 and +7.
• Whereas the oxidation states shown by non-transition elements differ by 2 units due to the inert pair effect.
• Example: The oxidation states of $\mathrm{Sn}$ are +2 and +4.