What is inert pair effect? Explain with an example.
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Solution
Inert pair effect:
“The occurrence of oxidation states two-unit less than the group oxidation states are sometimes attributed to the inert pair effect.”
The inert pair effect is the reluctance of 's' electrons for participating in bonding.
Example:
Aluminum exhibits oxidation state. With heavier elements, oxidation state gets progressively stabilized on going down the group. This is a consequence of the so-called inert pair effect.