How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non-transition metals?
Question:
How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non-transition metals? Illustrate with examples.
Solution:
In transition elements, the oxidation state can vary from +1 to the highest oxidation state by removing all its valence electrons. Also, in transition elements, the oxidation states differ by 1 (Fe2+ and Fe3+; Cu+ and Cu2+). In non-transition elements, the oxidation states differ by 2, for example, +2 and +4 or +3 and +5, etc.