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Question

GeX4 is more stable than GeX2 ehereas PbX2 is more stable than PbX4 . why?

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Solution

Ge, and Pb are the elements of group 14(the Carbon family); in which the unique property showing variable valency due to INNERT PAIR EFFECT in which the elements from Ge to Pb show the oxidation state +2 and +4. This innert pair effect arises due to the sheilding of s-electrons by intervening d and f-electrons. Hence, as the no. of d and f-electrons increases down the group from Ge to Pb the inert pair effect becomes more prominent and so the +4 o. state becomes less stable.

So, the + 2 o.s of Pb is more stable and +4 o.s of Ge is more stable. so that GeX4 is more stable than GeX2 while PbX2 is more stable than PbX4 .


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