Question

In which of the following the inert pair effect is most prominent?

• A. $C$
• B. $Si$
• C. $Ge$
• D. $Pb$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$Pb$

In lead ($Pb$) inert pair effect is most prominent because as we move from carbon to lead in the group the tendency of non-participation inner ns electrons in chemical bonding increases due to the large size of atoms.
So Pb is having more tendency of showing inert pair effect.($Pb$ is more stable at +2 oxidation state than +4 oxidation state)
Hence option $D$ is correct.