Question

Give reason: 

1. PbX₂ is more stable than PbX₄. 

2. PbCl is less stable than SnCl₄ but PbCl₂ is more stable than SnCl₂. 

3. PbO₂ is a stronger oxidizing agent than SnO₂

Answer 1

1. Due to inert pair effect, the +2 oxidation state of Pb is more stable than +4. Hence, PbX₂ is more stable than PbX₄· 

2. Stability of +4 oxidation state decreases down the group while that of +2 oxidation state increases due to inert pair effect. 

3. In PbO₂ and SnO₂, both lead and tin are present in +4 oxidation state. But due to strong inert pair effect, Pb⁺² ion is more stable than Sn⁺² ion. In other words, PbO₂ is more easily reduced than SnO₂. Thus, PbO₂ is a stronger oxidizing agent than SnO₂.