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JEE Main 2023 · 24 Jan · Shift 2

JEE Main 2023 Chemistry question on d- and f-Block Elements

Which one amongst the following are good oxidizing agents?

A. Sm2+\text{Sm}^{2+}
B. Ce2+\text{Ce}^{2+}
C. Ce4+\text{Ce}^{4+}
D. Tb4+\text{Tb}^{4+}

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
  1. A.
    C and D only
  2. B.
    A and B only
  3. C.
    D only
  4. D.
    C only
Show answer and solution

Correct option: A

Solution

Ce⁴⁺ and Tb⁴⁺ are good oxidizing agents because they have strong tendencies to gain electrons and get reduced to their more stable +3 states. Ce⁴⁺ readily accepts an electron to form Ce³⁺ (a stable 4f⁰ configuration), and Tb⁴⁺ accepts an electron to form Tb³⁺ (a stable half-filled 4f⁷ configuration) — both half-filled and empty f-subshells confer extra stability, providing a strong driving force for reduction. In contrast, Sm²⁺ and Ce²⁺ are electron-rich species that tend to act as reducing agents (they want to lose electrons to reach the stable +3 state), not oxidizing agents.

[JEE Main 2023 · 24 Jan · Shift 2]

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