- #1
Raghav Gupta
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Lanthanides can exhibit 2,4 states also but why 3 is most stable one?
Yes, 4f0-145d0-16s2.Borek said:Have you checked their electronic configuration?
You may think that I have understood or answered on my own in above post.Borek said:Have you checked their electronic configuration?
Lanthanides have a +3 oxidation state because they have 3 valence electrons in their outermost energy level. This makes it energetically favorable for them to lose these 3 electrons and achieve a stable electron configuration.
The electronic configuration of lanthanides includes a partially filled 4f subshell. This subshell has a lower energy level than the 5s and 5p subshells, making it easier for the lanthanides to lose their 3 valence electrons and achieve a more stable configuration.
There are a few exceptions to lanthanides having a +3 oxidation state, such as cerium and europium, which can also exist in a +4 oxidation state. This is due to their unique electronic configurations and the energy levels of their subshells.
The lanthanide atoms have a relatively large size, which makes it easier for them to lose their 3 valence electrons compared to smaller atoms. This is because the valence electrons are further away from the nucleus, making them less tightly bound and more likely to be lost.
The +3 oxidation state is the most stable for lanthanides because it allows them to achieve a full or half-filled 4f subshell, which is a more stable electronic configuration. Additionally, the +3 oxidation state is the most common due to the energy levels of the 4f subshell and the size of the lanthanide atoms.