Inert Pair Effect
Inert pair effect increases down Group 14 leading to stabilization of which oxidation state?
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- p-block elements
- Topic
- inert pair effect
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
+2
- General Configuration: Group 14 has the outer configuration ns2np2.
- The Effect: As we go down the group (C→Si→Ge→Sn→Pb), the ns2 electrons become increasingly stable ('inert') and reluctant to take part in bonding.
- Reluctance Source: This is due to poor shielding by d and f electrons, causing the s-electrons to be held more tightly by the nucleus.
- Result: For heavy elements like Lead (Pb), the +2 state (using only p electrons) is much more stable than the +4 state.
- Consequence: Pb(IV) compounds act as strong oxidizing agents to return to the stable Pb(II) state.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter p-block elements, covering the topic of inert pair effect. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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