Which of the following oxidation states are the most characteristic for lead and tin respectiviely?

Options

(a) 2,4
(b) 4,4
(c) 2,2
(d) 4,2

Correct Answer:

2,4

Explanation:

When ns² electrons of outermost shell do not participate in bonding then these ns² electrons are called inert pair and the effect is called inert pair effect.Due to this inert pair effect Ge,Sn and Pb of group IV have a tendency to form both +4 and + 2 ions, Now the inert pair effect increases down the group, hence the stability of M²⁺ ions increases and M⁴⁺ ions decreases down the group. For this reason, Pb²⁺ is more stable than Pb⁴⁺ and Sn⁴⁺ is more stable than Sn²⁺.