wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Which is best oxidising agent?

A
Ge4+
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
B
Pb4+
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
C
Sn4+
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
D
Sn2+
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
Open in App
Solution

The correct option is A Pb4+

The inertness of s subshell electrons towards the bond formation is called inert pair effect or it can be said as the inactiveness of electrons present in the outermost shell (i.e. ns2) to get unpaired and involve in bond formation is called inert pair effect.

For example:

1) In 13th group, thallium can exhibit +1 and+3 oxidation states but it is stable in +1 oxidation state only due to inert pair effect

2) In the 14th group, lead shows both +2 and +4 oxidation states but it is stable in +2 oxidation state due to inert pair effect.

Due to this inert pair effect,

Stability of Pb2+>Sn2+>Ge2+ lower oxidation state stability increases down the group
Pb4+<Sn4+<Ge4+ higher oxidation state stability decreases down the group.
Pb2+>Pb4+
Sn4+>Sn2+
Ge4+>Ge2+


Thus, Pb4++2ePb2+
Thus, Pb4+ salts are better oxiding agent being easily reduced to Pb2+.

Hence, the correct option is B


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Physical Properties of Boron Family
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon