Which transition metal can show highest oxidation state ?

Options

A. Sc
B. Ti
C. Os
D. Zn

Explanation

To determine which transition metal can show the highest oxidation state, we can analyze the electronic configurations and the number of valence electrons of various transition metals. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify Transition Metals
Transition metals are found in the d-block of the periodic table. They typically have partially filled d orbitals and can exhibit multiple oxidation states.

### Step 2: Examine Scandium (Sc)
- **Atomic Number:** 21
- **Electronic Configuration:** [Ar] 3d¹ 4s²
- **Valence Electrons:** 1 (from 3d) + 2 (from 4s) = 3
- **Maximum Oxidation State:** +3 (by losing all 3 valence electrons)

### Step 3: Examine Titanium (Ti)
- **Atomic Number:** 22
- **Electronic Configuration:** [Ar] 3d² 4s²
- **Valence Electrons:** 2 (from 3d) + 2 (from 4s) = 4
- **Maximum Oxidation State:** +4 (by losing all 4 valence electrons)

### Step 4: Examine Osmium (Os)
- **Atomic Number:** 76
- **Electronic Configuration:** [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s²
- **Valence Electrons:** 6 (from 5d) + 2 (from 6s) = 8
- **Maximum Oxidation State:** +8 (by losing all 8 valence electrons)
- **Example:** This oxidation state is observed in osmium tetroxide (OsO₄).

### Step 5: Examine Zinc (Zn)
- **Atomic Number:** 30
- **Electronic Configuration:** [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²
- **Valence Electrons:** 10 (from 3d) + 2 (from 4s) = 12
- **Maximum Oxidation State:** +2 (due to the stability of the fully filled 3d orbital, Zn typically does not lose those electrons)

### Conclusion
Among the transition metals examined, **Osmium (Os)** can show the highest oxidation state of **+8**.

### Final Answer
The transition metal that can show the highest oxidation state is **Osmium (Os)** with an oxidation state of +8.

---