Question:hard

Which pair of ions act as strong reducing agents?

Show Hint

Lanthanides in the +2 state ($\text{Eu}^{2+}$, $\text{Yb}^{2+}$) act as reducing agents, while those in the +4 state ($\text{Ce}^{4+}$, $\text{Tb}^{4+}$) act as oxidizing agents to reach the stable +3 state.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • $\text{Ce}^{4+}, \text{Tb}^{4+}$
  • $\text{Eu}^{2+}, \text{Yb}^{2+}$
  • $\text{Gd}^{3+}, \text{Lu}^{3+}$
  • $\text{La}^{3+}, \text{Pm}^{3+}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Anchor on the default oxidation state.
Every lanthanide's most stable, characteristic state is +3.
Step 2: Think about what a reducing agent needs to do.
A species that sits below +3 wants to lose an electron and climb up to that stable +3 state, and losing an electron is exactly what makes it a reducing agent.
Step 3: Scan the options with that lens.
$\text{Eu}^{2+}$ and $\text{Yb}^{2+}$ both sit below +3, so they readily get oxidised to $\text{Eu}^{3+}$/$\text{Yb}^{3+}$, acting as reducing agents. $\text{Ce}^{4+}$ and $\text{Tb}^{4+}$ sit above +3 and instead want to gain an electron (oxidising agents), while $\text{Gd}^{3+}$, $\text{Lu}^{3+}$, $\text{La}^{3+}$, $\text{Pm}^{3+}$ are already at the comfortable +3 state and show no such urge.
Final answer: Option 2, $\text{Eu}^{2+}, \text{Yb}^{2+}$.
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