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Science Clinic => Chemistry => Topic started by: mpobi80 on Nov 18, 2019

Title: Why is +2 a common oxidation state for transition elements?
Post by: mpobi80 on Nov 18, 2019

Question 1

Which of the following species is diamagnetic?
◦ an isolated gas-phase Cu2+ ion
◦ a high-spin octahedral Cr2+ complex
◦ an isolated gas-phase Cr3+ ion
◦ a low-spin octahedral Co3+ complex

Question 2

Why is +2 a common oxidation state for transition elements?

Title: Why is +2 a common oxidation state for transition elements?
Post by: jgranad15 on Nov 18, 2019

Answer 1

a low-spin octahedral Co3+ complex

Answer 2

The transition metals lose their outer s electrons before losing any of their d electrons. Since the outer s orbital holds two electrons, the loss of these electrons when forming an ion results in a +2 oxidation state.