Which noble gas element from following exhibits highest number of different oxidation states?
Which noble gas element from following exhibits highest number of different oxidation states?
$\mathrm{Xe}$
$\mathrm{Kr}$
$\mathrm{Ar}$
$\mathrm{Ne}$
Solution
Xenon has large atomic size and lower ionisation enthalpy compared to $\mathrm{He}, \mathrm{Ne}, \mathrm{Ar}$ and $\mathrm{Kr}$. Hence, xenon exhibits highest number of different oxidation states.