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Aluminium is usually found in +3 oxidation state. In contrast, thallium exists in +1 and +3 oxidation states. This is due to:

1. inert pair effect
2. diagonal relationship
3. lattice effect
4. lanthanoid contraction

Correct answer: inert pair effect

Solution

The inert pair effect explains why heavier elements like thallium exhibit a +1 oxidation state more readily than their lighter counterparts, as the s-electrons become less involved in bonding and remain non-ionized, leading to a preference for the +1 state.

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