The element most likely to have an oxidation state of 2 is a metal. Metals typically lose electrons to achieve a positive oxidation state. The alkaline earth metals, which are located in Group 2 of the periodic table, are the most likely elements to have an oxidation state of 2. This is because they have two valence electrons that they can easily lose. Some examples of elements that commonly have an oxidation state of 2 include magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba).