question_answer 39)

The chemistry of actinoid elements is not so smooth as that of lanthanoids. Justify this statement by giving some examples from the oxdiation states of these elements.

Answer:

The lanthanoids exhibit limited number of oxidation (+2 +3 and +4) states in their compounds out or which +3 is most common. Actinoid elements also normally show +3 oxidation states. But in their cases, 5f,6d and 7s energy levels are comparable in energy. As a result, they can exhibit a greater number of oxidation states. for example, Neptunium (Np):   +3,    +4,+5,  +6,  +7 Plutonium (Pu) :     +3,    +4, +5, +6,  +7 Americium (Am)    :   +3,                +4, +5, +6.