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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12011418

It is because of inability of ns2 electrons of the valence shell to participate in bonding that

  • Sn2+ is reducing while Pb4+ is oxidising

  • Sn2+ is oxidising while Pb4+ is reducing

  • Sn2+ and Pb2+ are both oxidising and reducing

  • Sn4+ is reducing while Pb4+ is oxidising

Solution

A.

Sn2+ is reducing while Pb4+ is oxidising

Inability of ns2 electrons of the valence shell to participate in bonding on moving down the group in heavier p-block elements is called inert pair effect
As a result, Pb(II) is more stable than Pb(IV)
Sn(IV) is more stable than Sn(II)
∴ Pb(IV) is easily reduced to Pb(II)
∴ Pb(IV) is oxidising agent
Sn(II) is easily oxidised to Sn(IV)
∴ Sn(II) is reducing agent