Question

The common oxidation state of the elements of lanthanide series is :

• A. + 1
• B. + 3
• C. + 4
• D. + 6

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The elements which have partly filled $4f$ orbitals are called lanthanides or lanthanones. The elements from cerium $(58)$ to Leutetium $(71)$ are lanthanides. General electronic configuration is $(n-2)f^{1-14}(n-1)d^{0-2}n{s}^{1-2}$. Lanthanides show variable oxidation states. $+3$ is the most important oxidation state.