How does the ability of oxygen to stabilize the highest oxidation state manifest in the oxides, and what is the trend observed in the highest oxidation numbers for the oxides from Sc₂O₃ to Mn₂O₇?

The ability of oxygen to stabilize the highest oxidation state is evident in transition metal oxides. The trend in the highest oxidation numbers for oxides from Sc₂O₃ to Mn₂O₇ coincides with the group number. As the oxidation state increases from +3 to +7, the oxides correspondingly transition from Sc₂O₃ to Mn₂O₇. Oxygen’s electronegativity and the formation of multiple bonds with metals contribute to stabilizing these high oxidation states. The increasing oxidation numbers reflect the capability of oxygen to facilitate the formation of stable and highly oxidized compounds, showcasing the trend in the highest oxidation states across the transition metal oxides.