A specific element within the transition series demonstrates anomalous ground-state electron filling — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
A specific element within the $3d$ transition series demonstrates anomalous ground-state electron filling to attain half-filled stability. In its most highly oxidised, covalent, and strictly acidic oxide ($Mn_2O_7$), what is the exact numerical magnitude of the oxidation state possessed by the Manganese atom?
💡 Solution & Explanation
In the compound Manganese heptoxide ($Mn_2O_7$), the total negative formal charge provided by the seven oxygen atoms is $7 \times (-2) = -14$. For the entire molecule to be electrically neutral, the two Manganese atoms must provide a total positive charge of $+14$. Therefore, a single Manganese atom possesses an oxidation state of $+14 / 2 = +7$, its theoretical maximum.