Why is it hard to oxidize metals?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 24, 2016

#"I don't think your proposition is true....."#

Explanation:

Metals are electron-rich materials, which commonly form #M^(+), M^(2+), and M^(3+)# ions.

The valence electrons in the neutral metal are liable to be oxidized (thereby reducing something), and this is the result of the fact that they are valence electrons, that is they are electrons that experience the LEAST nuclear charge. And thus metal electrons should be easily oxidized, and indeed they are.

It should thus be relatively facile to form #M^+#, and #M^(2+)# from alkali, and alkaline earth metals.

Related questions
See all questions in Metal Activity Series
Impact of this question
2538 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License