Bismuth is a strong oxidising agent in the pentavalent state. Or Pentavalent bismuth is a strong oxidising agent.

Bismuth is a strong oxidising agent in the pentavalent state. Or Penta

1.	Bismuth is a strong oxidising agent in the pentavalent state. Or Pentavalent bismuth is a strong oxidising agent.
Answer» SOLUTION :Since the inert PAIR EFFECT is very prominent in Bi, therefore, its +5 oxidation state is much less stable than its +3 oxidation state. In other words, bismuth in the pentavalent state can easilly accept two electrons and thus GETS reduced to more stable trivalent bismuth. `Bi^(5+)+2e^(-)toBi^(3+)` Therefore, Bi in the pentavalent state acts as a STRONG oxidising agent.