Question

Elements of group 14 exhibit oxidation sate of:

• A. +4 only
• B. +2 and +4 only
• C. +1 and +3 only
• D. +2 only

Answer 1

The correct option is B +2 and +4 only

The element of group 14 has 4 valence electrons. Therefore, the oxidation state of the group is +4. However, as a result of the inert pair effect, the lower oxidation state becomes more stable and the higher oxidation state becomes less stable. Therefore, this group exhibits +4 and +2 oxidation states.