p-Block Elements-I 2 Question 16
16. Statement $\mathbf{I} \mathrm{Pb}^{4+}$ compounds are stronger oxidising agents than $\mathrm{Sn}^{2+}$ compounds.
Statement II The higher oxidation states for the group 14 elements are more stable for the heavier members of the group due to ‘inert pair effect’.
(2008, 3M)
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Solution:
- In group $13,14,15$ as we descend down in group, the higher oxidation state becomes less tenable due to inert pair effect. Therefore, lead show +2 as stable oxidation state. Hence, $\mathrm{Pb}^{4+}$ act as a strong oxidising agent, itself reduced to $\mathrm{Pb}^{2+}$ very easily. Both statement I and statement II are correct and statement II is a correct explanation of statement I.
