question_answer 23)

 How is variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of non-transition metals? Illustrate with examples.

Answer:

The non-transition elements also show variable oxidation states. However these differ from the variable oxidation states shown by transition elements. Variable oxidation states shown by transition elements can differ by one unit while the oxidation states shown by non-transition elements differ by 2 unit due to inert pair effect. For example, thallium exhibits oxidation states +1, +3 and lead exhibits +2, +4 oxidation states. Moreover, in case of transition elements of the same group, higher oxidation state is more stable for heavier elements. e.g., Mo (VI) and W (VI) are more stable than Cr (VI). In non-transition elements of p-block, lower oxidation state is more stable due to inert pair effect e.g., Pb2+ is more stable than Pb4+.