In spite of the fact that +3 oxidation states are the trademark oxidation condition of lanthanoids cerium shows +4 oxidation state too. Why?
In spite of the fact that +3 oxidation states are the trademark oxidation condition of lanthanoids cerium shows +4 oxidation state too. Why?

Solution:

Ce – [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2. For the most part, lanthanoids lose the 5d and 6s electrons and show +3 oxidation state, yet Cerium loses the one 4f electron additionally to achieve Xenon’s respectable gas arrangement which will make Ce4+ truly steady.