The largest oxidation number exhibited by an element depends on its outer eletronic configuration. With which of the following outer electronic configurations the element will exhibit largest oxidation number ?

Options

A. `3d^(1) 4s^(2)`
B. `3d^(3) 4s^(2)`
C. `3d^(5) 4s^(1)`
D. `3d^(5) 4s^(2)`

Answer

D

Explanation

Highest oxidation number of any transition element `=(n-1)d` electrons +ns electrons. Therefore, large the number of electrons in the 3d-orbitals, higher is the maximum oxidation number.
(a) `3d^(1) 4s^(2) =3`
(b) `3d^(3) 4s^(2) = 3+2 =5`
( c) `3d^(1) 4s^(2) = 5+1=6` and
( d) `3d^(1)4s^(2) = 5+2=7`
Thus, option (d) is correct.