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 shown by osmium in its compounds, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the oxidation states of osmium
Osmium (Os) can exhibit various oxidation states in its compounds. The common oxidation states for osmium range from 0 to +8.

**Hint:** Remember that transition metals can have multiple oxidation states due to the involvement of d and s electrons.

### Step 2: Identify the highest oxidation state
Among the oxidation states mentioned, the highest oxidation state for osmium is +8. This is because osmium can utilize all of its valence electrons in bonding.

**Hint:** Look for the maximum number of electrons that can be involved in bonding for transition metals.

### Step 3: Verify with electronic configuration
The electronic configuration of osmium is [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2. This shows that osmium has a total of 8 electrons in its outermost shells (6 from 5d and 2 from 6s), which can participate in bonding.

**Hint:** Check the electronic configuration of the element to understand how many electrons can participate in oxidation states.

### Step 4: Example of osmium in +8 oxidation state
A well-known compound of osmium that exhibits the +8 oxidation state is osmium tetroxide (OsO4). In this compound, the oxidation state of osmium can be calculated as follows:

Let the oxidation state of osmium be X. The oxidation state of oxygen is -2, and there are 4 oxygen atoms:
\[ X + 4(-2) = 0 \]
\[ X - 8 = 0 \]
\[ X = +8 \]

**Hint:** Use the oxidation state rules to calculate the oxidation state in compounds.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the highest possible oxidation state shown by osmium in its compounds is +8.

**Final Answer:** +8