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How is the variability of oxidation states of the transition elements different from that of the non-transition elements ? Illustrate with examples.

Answer» The variability in oxidation states of transition metals is due to the incomplete filling of d-orbitals in such a way that their oxidation states differ from each other by unity, e.g., `Fe^(2+)` and `Fe^(3+), Cu^(+)` and `Cu^(2+)` and `Cu^(2+)` etc. In case of non-transition elements, the oxidation states differ by units of two , e.g., `Pb^(2+)` and `Pb^(4+), Sn^(2+)` and `Sn^(4+)` etc. Moreover , in transition elements, the higher oxidation states are more stable for heavier elements in a group. For example , in group 6, Mo(VI) and W(VI) are more stable than Cr(VI) . In p-block elements , the lower oxidation states are more stable for heavier members due to inert pair effect, e.g., in group 16, Pb (II) is more stable than Pb(IV).


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