Question

Which of the following statement is true regarding group $16$ elements?

• A. Down the group tendency to show $-2$ oxidation state increases
• B. Down the group tendency to show $+4$ oxidation state increases
• C. Down the group tendency to show $+6$ oxidation state increases
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Down the group tendency to show $+4$ oxidation state increases

Down the group tendency to show $-2$ oxidation state decreases. Electronegativity of oxygen is very high, therefore it mostly exhibit $-2$ oxidation state. Polonium hardly show $-2$ oxidation state.

Down the group tendency to show $+4$ oxidation state increases and the tendency to show $+6$ oxidation state decreases due to inert pair effect.