The reason for greater range of oxidation states in actinoids is attributed to :
1. actinoid contraction
2. 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
3. 4f and 5d levels being close in energies
4. the radioactive nature of actinoids
1. actinoid contraction
2. 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
3. 4f and 5d levels being close in energies
4. the radioactive nature of actinoids
Best answer
Answer: 2. 5f, 6d and 7s levels having comparable energies
Key idea: a wide range of oxidation states needs electrons from orbitals of similar energy.
In actinoids, the 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals are very close in energy, so electrons from all of them can be used for bonding. This gives oxidation states from +3 up to +7. The actinoid contraction and radioactivity do not explain the range of oxidation states.
Log in or create a free account to answer this question.