Most stable oxidation state of gold is:

Options

A. `+1`
B. `+3`
C. `+2`
D. zero

Answer

To determine the most stable oxidation state of gold (Au), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify Common Oxidation States
Gold (Au) commonly exhibits oxidation states of +1 and +3. These are the most frequently encountered oxidation states in gold compounds.

**Hint:** Look for the common oxidation states of the element in question.

### Step 2: Analyze Stability of Oxidation States
Among the common oxidation states, +3 is more prevalent in gold compounds. For example, many gold compounds, such as auric chloride (AuCl3), are found in the +3 oxidation state.

**Hint:** Consider the compounds formed by the element to determine which oxidation state is more stable.

### Step 3: Compare the Stability
The +3 oxidation state of gold is generally more stable than the +1 oxidation state. This is due to the electronic configuration and the nature of bonding in compounds formed by gold. The +3 state is often favored in chemical reactions and compound formation.

**Hint:** Think about the electronic configuration and how it affects the stability of different oxidation states.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the most stable oxidation state of gold is +3.

**Final Answer:** The most stable oxidation state of gold is +3.

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