Question

8. Some of the lanthanides and actinides besides showing + 3 oxidation state also show other
oxidation states. Which other factors may be responsible for this?

Answer 1

• small size of 5f-orbitals;
• screening effect of f-orbitals by external electrons;
• the possibility of transition of electrons from 5f-orbitals to 6d;
• hybridization option.