Why Manganese Exhibits Highest Oxidation State?

Answer: Manganese (Z = 25) exhibits largest number of oxidation states. This is because its electronic configuration is 3d54s2 and it has maximum number of electrons (five d electrons and two s electrons) to lose or share. Thus, it can exhibits an oxidation state of +2 to +7 which is the maximum number.

Why does manganese have the highest oxidation state?

(i) Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen because it can form p-pi−d-pi multiple bonds using 2p orbital of oxygen and 3d orbital of Mn. On the other hand, Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +4 with fluorine because it can form a single bond only.

Why does Mn show many oxidation states?

As 3d and 4s are close in energy, it has maximum number of electrons to lose or share (as all the 3d electrons are unpaired). Hence it shows highest oxidation state from +2 to +7.