Chemistry · Periodic trends in properties of elements: atomic and ionic radii, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, valence, oxidation states and chemical reactivity
Which element exhibits the greatest number of oxidation states in its compounds?
Which element exhibits the greatest number of oxidation states in its compounds?
- A. \( C a \)
- B. \( V \)
- C. \( C u \)
- D. Na
Step-by-step solution
Vanadium exhibits oxidation states of +2, +3, +4, and +5, giving it four common states. Calcium and sodium have only one common state (+2 and +1 respectively), while copper typically has two (+1 and +2). Thus vanadium shows the greatest number.