What is the oxidation state of Zinc in chemical compounds?

Zinc typically exhibits an oxidation state of +2 in its compounds. This is because zinc loses two electrons from its outer shell when it reacts chemically. Being in group 12 of the periodic table, zinc has the electron configuration of [Ar] 3d10 4s2. By losing the two 4s electrons, zinc attains a stable electron configuration resembling that of the nearest noble gas, argon, and achieves an oxidation state of +2.

This +2 oxidation state is consistent across most zinc compounds, making it the most commonly encountered state in both ionic and molecular forms. In ionic compounds, zinc exists as the ion Zn(2+), reflecting this +2 charge. Other oxidation states such as +1, +3, or +4 are less common for zinc and generally do not occur in stable compounds under standard conditions.