Which one of the following, exhibits highest oxidation state

Options

A. Zr
B. V
C. Mn
D. Ni

Answer

To determine which of the given elements exhibits the highest oxidation state, we will analyze the electronic configurations and possible oxidation states of each element: zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Elements and Their Atomic Numbers:**
- Zirconium (Zr) - Atomic Number: 40
- Vanadium (V) - Atomic Number: 23
- Manganese (Mn) - Atomic Number: 25
- Nickel (Ni) - Atomic Number: 28

2. **Write the Electronic Configurations:**
- Zirconium: \( [Kr] 4d^2 5s^2 \)
- Vanadium: \( [Ar] 3d^3 4s^2 \)
- Manganese: \( [Ar] 3d^5 4s^2 \)
- Nickel: \( [Ar] 3d^8 4s^2 \)

3. **Determine Possible Oxidation States:**
- **Zirconium (Zr):**
- Can lose 2 electrons from 5s and 2 electrons from 4d.
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4 (maximum +4).
- **Vanadium (V):**
- Can lose 2 electrons from 4s and up to 5 from 3d.
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5 (maximum +5).
- **Manganese (Mn):**
- Can lose 2 electrons from 4s and up to 5 from 3d.
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7 (maximum +7).
- **Nickel (Ni):**
- Can lose 2 electrons from 4s and has a filled 3d subshell.
- Common oxidation state: +2 (maximum +2).

4. **Compare the Maximum Oxidation States:**
- Zirconium: +4
- Vanadium: +5
- Manganese: +7
- Nickel: +2

5. **Conclusion:**
- The element with the highest oxidation state is **Manganese (Mn)**, which can exhibit an oxidation state of +7.

### Final Answer:
Manganese (Mn) exhibits the highest oxidation state of +7.

---