Transition and Inner Transition Elements — Chemistry STD 12 Science — Question
Maharashtra BoardEnglish MediumSTD 12 ScienceChemistryTransition and Inner Transition Elements2 Marks
Question
Scandium shows only two oxidation states. Explain.
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Answer
Scandium has electronic configuration, ${ }_{21} Sc : s^2, 2 s^2, 2 p^6, 3 s^2, 3 p^6, 3 d^1, 4 s^2$Sc shows only two oxidation states namely + 2 and + 3.
Due to the loss of two electrons from the 4s-orbital, Sc acquires + 2 oxidation state $Sc ^{2+}$ : $1 s^2 2 s^2 2 p^6 3 s^2 3 p^6 3 d^1$.
Due to the loss of one more electron from the 3d-orbital, it acquires + 3 oxidation state with the extra stability of an inert element ${ }_{18} Ar ^2 . Sc ^{+3}: Is ^2 2 s^2 2 p^6 3 s^2 3 p^6$.
Since $Sc ^{3+}$ acquires extra stability of inert element $[ Ar ]^{18}$, it does not form higher oxidation state.
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