Which of the following oxidation states are the most characteristic for lead and tin respectively?
- +2, +4
- +4, +4
- +2, +2
- +4, +2
Answer
(1) +2, +4
Solution
Down group 14 the inert pair effect increases, so the lower (+2) oxidation state becomes more stable.
As per NCERT, tin in the +2 state is a reducing agent (it changes to the more stable +4 state), whereas lead compounds in the +4 state are strong oxidising agents (they change to the more stable +2 state).
∴ Most characteristic: Pb → +2, Sn → +4.
Answer: (1)