Question

Select the correct option for the below statements:
Statement I: $P{b}^{4+}$ compounds are stronger oxidizing agents than $S{n}^{4+}$compounds.
Statement II: The higher oxidation states for the group $14$ elements are more stable for the heavier members of the group due to the ‘inert pair effect’.

• A. Statement I is true; Statement II is true; Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
• B. Statement I is true; Statement II is true; Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.
• C. Statement I is true; Statement II is false.
• D. Statement I is false; Statement II is true.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Statement I is true; Statement II is false.

Statement I is true. Stronger oxidising agent is one which itself can easily be reduced. $P{b}^{4+}$ is unstable, due to inert pair effect, and can easily be reduced to stable $P{b}^{2+}$, hence a stronger oxidising agent than Sn4+ .
Statement II is false. Due to the inert pair effect, the higher oxidation states of group $14$ elements become less stable for heavier members.