Variable oxidation states
d-Block Elements (Transition Metals) · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
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Study notes
Mn shows +2 to +7 but Zn only +2. Explain. Step 1: Mn is [Ar]3d⁵4s² — five d electrons can be lost progressively. Step 2: Mn²⁺ (d⁵ half-filled, stable), Mn⁴⁺ (MnO₂), Mn⁷⁺ (MnO₄⁻, no d electrons left). Step 3: Zn is [Ar]3d¹⁰4s² — losing 4s² gives Zn²⁺ with full d¹⁰. Step 4: Removing a d electron from Zn²⁺ breaks the stable d¹⁰ → only +2. d-count decides!