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 Atomic Numbers and Electronic Configurations**:
- **Zirconium (Zr)**: Atomic number = 40
- Electronic configuration: [Kr] 4d² 5s²
- **Vanadium (V)**: Atomic number = 23
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d³ 4s²
- **Manganese (Mn)**: Atomic number = 25
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s²
- **Nickel (Ni)**: Atomic number = 28
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²

2. **Determine Possible Oxidation States**:
- **Zirconium (Zr)**:
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4 (removal of 2 electrons from 5s and up to 2 from 4d)
- **Vanadium (V)**:
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5 (removal of 2 electrons from 4s and up to 3 from 3d)
- **Manganese (Mn)**:
- Possible oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7 (removal of 2 electrons from 4s and up to 5 from 3d)
- **Nickel (Ni)**:
- Possible oxidation states: +2 (removal of 2 electrons from 4s and no more from 3d due to stability)

3. **Compare the Highest Oxidation States**:
- From the analysis:
- Zr has a maximum oxidation state of +4.
- V has a maximum oxidation state of +5.
- Mn has a maximum oxidation state of +7.
- Ni has a maximum oxidation state of +2.

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

### Final Answer:
The element that exhibits the highest oxidation state is **Manganese (Mn)**, with an oxidation state of +7.

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