Question

The most stable oxidation state of lanthanides is

• A. +2
• B. +4
• C. 0
• D. +3

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The general electronic configuration of lanthanides is
$[Xe](n-2)f^{1-14}(n-1)d^{1}n{s}^2$
$\because$ After the loss of both of the 65 electrons and also the solitary $d$ electrons, the lanthanoids gain stable configurations.
$\therefore +III(+3)$ oxidation state is most common among lanthanides.