JEE MAIN - Chemistry (2025 - 22nd January Morning Shift - No. 12)
Lanthanoid ions with $4 \mathrm{f}^7$ configuration are :
(A) $\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}$
(B) $\mathrm{Gd}^{3+}$
(C) $\mathrm{Eu}^{3+}$
(D) $\mathrm{Tb}^{3+}$
(E) $ \mathrm{Sm}^{2+}$
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Explanation
Let's analyze the electron configurations of the given lanthanide ions.
Europium ($\mathrm{Eu}$)
The neutral atom of Eu (atomic number 63) typically has the configuration:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^7\,6s^2. $
For $\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}$, two electrons are removed, usually from the $6s$ orbital, resulting in:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^7. $
Thus, $\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}$ has a $4f^7$ configuration.
For $\mathrm{Eu}^{3+}$, three electrons are removed (the two $6s$ electrons and one $4f$ electron), giving:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^6. $
Therefore, $\mathrm{Eu}^{3+}$ does not have a $4f^7$ configuration.
Gadolinium ($\mathrm{Gd}$)
The neutral atom of Gd (atomic number 64) is usually represented as:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^7\,5d^1\,6s^2. $
For $\mathrm{Gd}^{3+}$, three electrons are removed (typically the $5d^1$ and the two $6s$ electrons), resulting in:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^7. $
So, $\mathrm{Gd}^{3+}$ has a $4f^7$ configuration.
Terbium ($\mathrm{Tb}$)
The neutral atom of Tb (atomic number 65) typically has the configuration:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^9\,6s^2. $
For $\mathrm{Tb}^{3+}$, removal of three electrons gives:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^8. $
Hence, $\mathrm{Tb}^{3+}$ does not have a $4f^7$ configuration.
Samarium ($\mathrm{Sm}$)
The neutral atom of Sm (atomic number 62) generally has:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^6\,6s^2. $
For $\mathrm{Sm}^{2+}$, after removal of two electrons (likely from the $6s$ orbital), the configuration is:
$ [\mathrm{Xe}]\,4f^6. $
Therefore, $\mathrm{Sm}^{2+}$ does not have a $4f^7$ configuration.
Thus, the ions with a $4f^7$ configuration are:
(A) $\mathrm{Eu}^{2+}$
(B) $\mathrm{Gd}^{3+}$
The correct answer is:
Option D – (A) and (B) only.
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