Question

Answer the following

Explain with the help of a balanced chemical equation, why the solution of Ce(IV) is acidic.

Answer 1

i. According to Lewis acid theory, a species that can accept a pair of electrons is an acid.

ii. The electronic configuration of Ce is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s² and that of Ce(IV) is [Xe].

iii. Ce(IV) can accept lone pairs of electrons from water molecules in its vacant orbitals to form the complex.

e.g. \[\ce{Ce^{4+}_{ (aq)} + \text{n}H2O -> [Ce(H2O)_\text{n}]^{4+}_{ (aq)}}\]

Hence, the solution of Ce(IV) is acidic in nature.