The ability of oxygen to stabilise the highest oxidation state is
demonstrated in the oxides The highest oxidation number in the oxides
(Table 4 6) coincides with the group number and is attained in Sc2O3
to Mn2O7 Beyond Group 7, no higher oxides of Fe above Fe2O3, are
known, although ferrates (VI)(FeO4)
2–, are formed in alkaline media but
they readily decompose to Fe2O3 and O2