The maximum oxidation state of osmium is

Options

A. `+6`
B. `+7`
C. `+8`
D. `+5`

Answer

To determine the maximum oxidation state of osmium, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Atomic Number and Electronic Configuration
Osmium (Os) has an atomic number of 76. Its electronic configuration can be written as:
\[ \text{Os: } [Xe] 4f^{14} 5d^6 6s^2 \]

### Step 2: Count the Valence Electrons
In the electronic configuration, the valence electrons are found in the outermost shells. For osmium, the valence electrons are:
- From the 5d subshell: 6 electrons
- From the 6s subshell: 2 electrons

Total valence electrons = \( 6 + 2 = 8 \)

### Step 3: Determine the Maximum Oxidation State
The maximum oxidation state of an element is typically equal to the total number of valence electrons that can be lost. In the case of osmium, it can lose all 8 of its valence electrons (6 from 5d and 2 from 6s) to achieve a maximum oxidation state.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the maximum oxidation state of osmium is +8.

### Final Answer
The maximum oxidation state of osmium is **+8**.

---