Question

Most common oxidation states of Ce (cerium) are
(a) +2, +3
(b) +2, +4
(c) +3, +4
(d) +3, +5.

Answer 1

(c) : The common stable oxidation state of all the lanthanides is +3. The oxidation states of +2 and +4 are also exhibited and these oxidation states are only stable in those cases where stable 4f⁰, 4f⁷ or 4f¹⁴ configurations are achieved. Ce⁴⁺ is stable due to 4f⁰ configuration.