Question

Arrange the hydrides of group 14 elements in increasing order of:

(i) thermal stability (ii) reducing power.

Answer 1

The stability of the hydrides of group 14 decreases as we go down the group. Hydrides of the carbon being most stable and the lead hydride being the least stable. Since the thermal stability decreases, tendency to act as reducing agent increases down the group.
Trend of reducing character of group 14 hydrides in increasing order :
C < Si < Ge < Sn < Pb
Trend of thermal stability in increasing order for hydrides of group 14:
C > Si > Ge > Sn > Pb