Question:medium

Which from following pair of elements in their respective oxidation states have same number of unpaired electrons ?

Show Hint

Write the 3d configuration of each ion and count unpaired electrons: Fe2+ and Cr2+ both have 4.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{Fe}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Mn}^{2+}\)
  • \(\text{Co}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Ni}^{2+}\)
  • \(\text{Fe}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Cr}^{2+}\)
  • \(\text{Co}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Fe}^{2+}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Count d electrons first:
After losing 4s electrons: $\text{Cr}^{2+}$ is $d^4$, $\text{Mn}^{2+}$ is $d^5$, $\text{Fe}^{2+}$ is $d^6$, $\text{Co}^{2+}$ is $d^7$, $\text{Ni}^{2+}$ is $d^8$.

Step 2: Convert to unpaired electrons:
For up to five d electrons, all are unpaired: $d^4 \to 4$, $d^5 \to 5$. After the half-filled point, extra electrons pair up: $d^6 \to 4$, $d^7 \to 3$, $d^8 \to 2$.

Step 3: Match pairs:
(A) $4, 5$. (B) $3, 2$. (C) $4, 4$. (D) $3, 4$. Only (C) matches.

Final Answer:
Option (C), both have 4 unpaired electrons. \[ \boxed{\text{Fe}^{2+} \text{ and } \text{Cr}^{2+} \text{ (C)}} \]
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