Which of the following lanthanoids show `+2` oxidation state besides the characteristic oxidation state +3 of lanthanoids?

Options

A. Ce
B. Eu
C. Yb
D. Ho

Answer

B, C

Explanation

(a) Cerium (Z = 57) implies Electronic configuration = `[Xe]4f^(5)5d^(0)6s^(2)`
Oxidation state of Ce = +3, +4
(b) Europium (Z = 63) implies Electronic configuration = `[Xe]4f^(7)5d^(0)6s^(2)`
Oxidation state of Eu = +2, +3
(c ) Ytterbium (Z = 70) implies Electronic configuration = `[Xe]4f^(14)5d^(0)6s^(2)`
Oxidation state of Yb = +2, +3
(d) Holmium (Z = 67) implies Electronic configuration = `[Xe]4f^(11)5d^(0)6s^(2)`
Oxidation state of Ho = +3