Question

The states being filled from the beginning to end of the lanthanide series of atoms are: A. n = 3, ?? = 2 states B. n = 4, ?? = 1 states C. n = 4, ?? = 2 states D. n = 4, ?? = 3 states E. n = 5, ?? =2 states ans: D

Answer 1

All the Lanthanide series has +3 oxidation states. We know the lanthanides elements are La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺,Nd³⁺ etc but some of the elements like samarium and europium have +2 oxidation states in the solutions. Then the scientists conclude that lanthanides can form 2+ oxidation states also. But normally all the lanthanides have 3+ oxidation states this is because of the effects of 4f orbitals. All the lanthanides have 4f orbital and The electronic structure of Lanthanides elements are expressed as [Xe]6S²4f ⁿ . where n is +3 oxidation states.