Cerium Oxidation
Hardchemistry
Cerium commonly exhibits +3 and +4 states; Ce4+ in CeO2 is stabilized by:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Lattice energy and oxygen's high electronegativity
- Electronic State: Ce4+ has a noble gas configuration ([Xe]), which is inherently stable.
- Ionic Forces: In the solid state (CeO2), the high charge of the +4 cation leads to a very high Lattice Energy.
- Oxygen Role: Oxygen is highly electronegative and can efficiently stabilize such high-valent metal centers.
- Solution behavior: In aqueous solution, Ce4+ is less stable and acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, rapidly wanting to return to the +3 state by gaining an electron.
- Utility: Cerium(IV) ammonium sulfate is a common titrant in analytical chemistry (Cerimetry).
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- d- and f-block elements
- Topic
- cerium oxidation
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Lattice energy and oxygen's high electronegativity
- Electronic State: Ce4+ has a noble gas configuration ([Xe]), which is inherently stable.
- Ionic Forces: In the solid state (CeO2), the high charge of the +4 cation leads to a very high Lattice Energy.
- Oxygen Role: Oxygen is highly electronegative and can efficiently stabilize such high-valent metal centers.
- Solution behavior: In aqueous solution, Ce4+ is less stable and acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, rapidly wanting to return to the +3 state by gaining an electron.
- Utility: Cerium(IV) ammonium sulfate is a common titrant in analytical chemistry (Cerimetry).
This hard difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter d- and f-block elements, covering the topic of cerium oxidation. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all chemistry questions or browse d- and f-block elements questions on RankGuru.