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^5 4s^1 = 5 + 1 = 6` (d) `3d^(5)4s^2 = 5 + 2 = 7`
Thus, option (d) is correct.