Question

Choose the stable oxidation states of cerium ( $Ce$ ).

• A. $+1$ and $+2$
• B. $+3$ and $+4$
• C. $+2$ and $+3$
• D. $+2$ and $+7$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Cerium is one of the lanthanides. Electronic configuration of cerium is given below.

$\_{58}^{}Ce\to \left[Xe\right]4f^{1}5d^{1}6s^2$

As per the electronic configuration of cerium, it has the ability to show $+2$ and $+4$ oxidation states.

${\text{Ce}}^{\text{3+}}\to \left[\text{Xe}\right]{\text{ 4f}}^{\text{1}}{\text{ 5d}}^{\text{0}}{\text{ 6s}}^{\text{0}}$ (common in all Lanthenoids)

$C{e}^{4+}\to \left[Xe\right]4f^{0}5d^{0}6s^0$