Question

In p-block elements,is higher oxidation state more stable than lower oxidation state?

Answer 1

Transition metals have their valence electrons in the (n-1)d# and ns# shells. Unlike the main group elements, the valence electrons in the d-shell are fairly easily removed. Unless there is any energy benefits by retaining a complete (d10) or half-complete (d5) electronic configuration, transition metals can lose ALL of their valence shell electrons by oxidation, and still not have any significant de-stabiliziation. In addition, the more electropositive the resulting cation is [e.g. Mn(II) vs. Mn(VII)], the higher will be the charge density, and the solvation energy resulting from this.