Question

Cerium (IV) has a noble gas configuration. Which of the following is a correct statement about it?

Options

• It will not prefer to undergo redox reactions.

• It will prefer to gain electron and act as an oxidizing agent.

• It will prefer to give away an electron and behave as reducing agent.

• It acts as both oxidizing and reducing agent.

Answer 1

It will prefer to gain electron and act as an oxidizing agent.

Explanation:

Cerium (IV) means Ce⁴⁺. Its electronic configuration is the same as the noble gas xenon [Xe]. This makes it electron-deficient and highly unstable. So, it easily gains one electron to become Ce³⁺ (more stable). This means Ce⁴⁺ acts as a strong oxidising agent.