Sir,

I want to know why Co⁺³ is strong oxidising agent in aqueous solution.Please answer this question.

Outer electronic configuration of CO is 3d⁷4s².

Outer electronic configuration of CO³⁺is 3d⁶4s⁰.

Now Co in CO³⁺state is not stable in aqueous solution. But Co is stable inCO²⁺state in water. This is the reason it likes to go from Co(III) to Co(II) state by gaining electrons or in other words, it gets reduced and acts as good oxidizing agent.

Thank You'

Ruchi

Askiitians faculty