A transition metal ion exists in its highest oxidation state. It is ex...
When a transition metal ion is in highest oxidation state it tends to lower its oxidation state by gaining electrons. thus it itself reduces and oxidizes the substance from which it accepts electron. So, it acts as oxidising agent.
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A transition metal ion exists in its highest oxidation state. It is ex...
Behaviour of Transition Metal Ion in Highest Oxidation State
When a transition metal ion exists in its highest oxidation state, it is expected to behave as an oxidising agent. Let us understand why this is so.
Definition of Oxidising Agent
An oxidising agent is a chemical species that oxidises another substance by accepting electrons from it or by removing hydrogen from it. In other words, an oxidising agent itself gets reduced as it causes oxidation in another substance.
Explanation
The highest oxidation state of a transition metal ion is achieved by losing all the valence electrons present in its outermost shell. This means that the metal ion has a high tendency to accept electrons from other species to complete its octet. Hence, it behaves as an oxidising agent.
For example, consider the transition metal ion Mn7+ which has lost all its seven valence electrons. It has an empty d-orbital and is highly electronegative as it has a high nuclear charge. Therefore, it can easily attract electrons from other species and oxidise them.
Applications
Transition metal ions in their highest oxidation state are used as oxidising agents in various chemical reactions. For example, permanganate ions (MnO4-) are used as oxidising agents in titrations to determine the concentration of reducing agents. Chromium (VI) ions (CrO42-) are used as oxidising agents in the production of alcohols and carboxylic acids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a transition metal ion exists in its highest oxidation state, it behaves as an oxidising agent as it has a high tendency to accept electrons from other species to complete its octet.
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