Question

How is the stability of a particular oxidation state in aqueous medium of a transition element related to its standard electrode potential?

Answer 1

The stability of a particular oxidation state of a transition element in an aqueous medium is related to the standard electrode potential (E° value) of the redox couple.

• A more positive E° value indicates that the element is easily reduced, meaning the lower oxidation state is more stable in an aqueous medium.
• A less positive or negative E° value suggests that the higher oxidation state is more stable.