Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configuration may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states

Options

(a) 3d⁵4s¹
(b) 3d⁵4s²
(c) 3d²4s²
(d) 3d³4s²

Correct Answer:

3d⁵4s²

Explanation:

Greater the number of valence electrons, more will be the number of oxidation states exhibited by the element. 3d⁵4s¹, can show a maximum of 6 oxidation states. 3d⁵4s², can show a maximum of 7 oxidation states. 3d²4s² can show a maximum of 4 oxidation states. 3d³4s² can show a maximum of 5 oxidation states.