How does the variability in oxidation states of transition metals differ from that of non-transition

Question

How does the variability in oxidation states of transition metals differ from that of non-transition (p-block) elements?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

In transition metals, the variable oxidation states generally differ by 1 (e.g., $	ext{V}^{2+}$, $	ext{V}^{3+}$, $	ext{V}^{4+}$, $	ext{V}^{5+}$) due to the incomplete filling of d-orbitals. In p-block elements, variable oxidation states typically differ by 2 (e.g., $	ext{Pb}^{2+}$, $	ext{Pb}^{4+}$) due to the inert pair effect.