Which of the following is the correct formula for a compound of scandium and oxygen? — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Scandium (Sc) is a Group 3 transition metal with the valence electronic configuration 3d1 4s2. Step 2: Because of the high stability of the noble gas configuration obtained by losing all three valence electrons, scandium almost exclusively exhibits a +3 oxidation state (+3). Oxygen exhibits a -2 oxidation state. Step 3: Balancing the charges (+3 for Sc and -2 for O) gives the formula Sc2O3. Thus, the correct option is (d).