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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12007083

Why Sm2+, Eu2+ and Yb2+ ions in solutions are good reducing agents but an aqueous solution of Ce4+ is a good oxidizing agent?

Solution
The most stable oxidation state of lanthanoids is +3. Hence ions in +2 state tend to change to +3 state by loss of electron and those in +4 state tend to change to +3 state by gain of electrons.