Question

The stability of cation in dihalides of $Si,Ge,Sn$ and $Pb$ increases in the sequence is:

• A. $Ge{X}_2$<$Si{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$<$Pb{X}_2$
• B. $Si{X}_2$<$Ge{X}_2$<$Pb{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$
• C. $Si{X}_2$<$Ge{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$<$Pb{X}_2$
• D. $Pb{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$<$Ge{X}_2$<$Si{X}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $Si{X}_2$<$Ge{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$<$Pb{X}_2$

The stability of cation in dihalides of $Si,Ge,Sn$ and $Pb$ increases in the sequence
$Si{X}_2$<$Ge{X}_2$<$Sn{X}_2$<$Pb{X}_2$
On moving down the group 14 (carbon family), the stability of +2 oxidation state increases and the stability of +4 oxidation state decreases due to inert pair effect.