NEETChemistryd and f Block Elements
Which of the following statements regarding the electronic configuration and redox behaviour of lanthanoid ions is incorrect?
Options
- AEu ²⁺ has a 4f⁷ configuration and acts as a strong reducing agent.
- BTb ⁴⁺ has a half-filled 4f⁷ configuration and acts as a strong reducing agent.
- CYb ²⁺ has a fully-filled 4f¹⁴ configuration and acts as a reducing agent.
- DCe ⁴⁺ has a noble gas configuration but acts as a strong oxidising agent.
Correct answer
B. Tb ⁴⁺ has a half-filled 4f⁷ configuration and acts as a strong reducing agent.
Step-by-step solution
The most stable oxidation state for lanthanoids is +3 . Ions in the +2 state tend to lose an electron to reach +3 , acting as reducing agents, while ions in the +4 state tend to gain an electron to reach +3 , acting as oxidising agents. Eu ²⁺ ( 4f⁷ ) and Yb ²⁺ ( 4f¹⁴ ) are in the +2 oxidation state and act as reducing agents to reach the +3 state. Ce ⁴⁺ (noble gas configuration) and Tb ⁴⁺ ( 4f⁷ ) are in the +4 oxidation state. Despite the stability of their respective electronic configurations, both act as strong o