Question

Cerium (IV) has a noble gas configuration. Which of the following is correct statement about it?

• A. It will not prefer to undergo redox reactions.
• B. It will prefer to gain electron and act as an oxidizing agent
• C. It will prefer to give away an electron and behave as reducing agent
• D. It acts as both, oxidizing and reducing agent.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Cerium exists in two different oxidation state $+3$, $+4$
$Ce ^{+4}+ e ^{-} \rightarrow Ce ^{3+} \,\,\,\, E ^{0}=+1.61\, V $
$Ce ^{+3}+3 e ^{-} \rightarrow Ce \,\,\, E ^{0}=-2.336\, V$
It shows $Ce ^{+4}$ acts as a strong oxidising agent & accepts electron.