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Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configurations may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states?
A
$3d^24s^2$
B
$3d^34s^2$
C
$3d^54s^1$
D
$3d^54s^2$
Detailed Solution
Transition elements show variable oxidation states because both the ns and the (n − 1)d electrons can take part in bonding; the maximum oxidation state equals the total number of these electrons (up to manganese).
$3d^24s^2$ (Ti): 4 such electrons, maximum oxidation state +4.
$3d^34s^2$ (V): 5 such electrons, maximum +5.
$3d^54s^1$ (Cr): 6 such electrons, maximum +6.
$3d^54s^2$ (Mn): 7 such electrons, maximum +7; Mn shows all the states from +2 to +7.
Hence the element with configuration $3d^54s^2$ exhibits the largest number of oxidation states.
$3d^24s^2$ (Ti): 4 such electrons, maximum oxidation state +4.
$3d^34s^2$ (V): 5 such electrons, maximum +5.
$3d^54s^1$ (Cr): 6 such electrons, maximum +6.
$3d^54s^2$ (Mn): 7 such electrons, maximum +7; Mn shows all the states from +2 to +7.
Hence the element with configuration $3d^54s^2$ exhibits the largest number of oxidation states.