Question

How is the variablility in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non transition metals gt illustrate with example

Answer 1

Correct Answer - The variability in oxidation state of trasnsition 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+)` etc. In case of non -transition elements , the oxidation state differ by units of two ,e.g., `pb^(2+)`, and `Sn^(2+)` and `Sn^(4+)` etc. Moreover , in transition elements ,t he higher oxidation states are more stable for heavier elements in a group. For example, in group6 `Mp(VI)` and `W(VI)` are more stable than `Cr(VI)` . In p-block elements , the lower oxidation state are more stable for heavier members due to inert pair effect,e.g., in group 14 , `pb(II) is more stable than pb(IV)`