How are oxygen atoms arranged around transition metals in high-oxidation-state oxo anions?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — transition metal Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

In high-oxidation-state oxo anions of transition metals, the metal atom is typically surrounded by oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.1

This structural configuration contrasts with the oxides formed in lower oxidation states, where the atoms are generally octahedrally coordinated. These oxo anions, such as permanganate ( $M n O_{4}^{-}$ ) and chromate ( $C r O_{4}^{2 -}$ ), represent the primary chemistry for transition metals in their highest oxidation states.1