Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The E° value of $$Ce^{4+}/Ce^{3+}$$ is +1.74 V.
Statement II: Ce is more stable in $$Ce^{4+}$$ state than $$Ce^{3+}$$ state.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Statement I says the $$E°$$ value of $$Ce^{4+}/Ce^{3+}$$ is $$+1.74$$ V. This is a well-known standard reduction potential value and is correct. The high positive value indicates that $$Ce^{4+}$$ is a strong oxidising agent, meaning it readily gets reduced to $$Ce^{3+}$$.

Statement II says Ce is more stable in the $$Ce^{4+}$$ state than in the $$Ce^{3+}$$ state. This is incorrect. The high positive $$E°$$ value of $$+1.74$$ V for the $$Ce^{4+}/Ce^{3+}$$ couple means that $$Ce^{4+}$$ has a strong tendency to get reduced to $$Ce^{3+}$$. This indicates that $$Ce^{3+}$$ is actually the more stable oxidation state. Although $$Ce^{4+}$$ achieves a noble gas core configuration ($$[Xe]$$), in aqueous solution $$Ce^{3+}$$ is thermodynamically more stable, and $$Ce^{4+}$$ acts as a powerful oxidant precisely because it readily converts to $$Ce^{3+}$$.

Therefore, Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. The correct answer is Option (4).