The highest possible oxidation state shown by osmium in its compound is

Options

A. `+4`
B. `+8`
C. `+6`
D. `+10`

Answer

To determine the highest possible oxidation state of osmium in its compounds, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Atomic Number and Electronic Configuration of Osmium
- Osmium (Os) has an atomic number of 76.
- The electronic configuration of osmium is [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2.

### Step 2: Analyze the Valence Electrons
- In the electronic configuration, the valence electrons are in the 5d and 6s subshells.
- There are a total of 8 valence electrons (6 from 5d and 2 from 6s).

### Step 3: Determine Possible Oxidation States
- The oxidation states of transition metals can vary, and for osmium, it can range from 0 up to the total number of valence electrons.
- Therefore, the possible oxidation states for osmium include +2, +3, +4, +6, and +8.

### Step 4: Identify the Highest Oxidation State
- The highest oxidation state that osmium can exhibit is +8.
- This can be confirmed by looking at the compound OsO4 (osmium tetroxide), where osmium has an oxidation state of +8.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- The highest possible oxidation state shown by osmium in its compounds is +8.

### Final Answer
- The correct option is +8.

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