A specific divalent cation () in the transition series causes a sharp break in the linearly increasing trend of the third ionization enthalpy due to its exchange-energy stabilized configuration. How m

Question

A specific divalent cation ($M^{2+}$) in the $3d$ transition series causes a sharp break in the linearly increasing trend of the third ionization enthalpy due to its exchange-energy stabilized configuration. How many unpaired electrons does this specific $M^{2+}$ cation possess in its ground state?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 5. The element is Manganese (). Its second ionization leaves the highly stable ion with an exactly half-filled configuration. Removing a third electron to form requires breaking this stability, resulting in an unusually high third ionization enthalpy. The configuration possesses exactly unpaired electrons.

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