For successive members of the first row transition elements are listed below with their atomic numbers. Which one of them is expected to have the highest third ionization enthalpy?

Options

A. Vanadium (Z=23)
B. Manganese (Z=25)
C. Chromium (Z=24)
D. Iron (Z=26)

Answer

B

Explanation

`Mn^(2+)` has the most stable configuration, i.e., `3d^5` (all the five d-orbitals are singly occupied). Hence, to remove electron from `Mn^(2+)`ion requires more energy, i.e., the third ionization enthalpy of manganese is highest