Question

Explain why pb is oxidizing in nature but ge is reducing

Answer 1

Due to inert pair effect of Lead, Pb +2 is more stable than Pb +4. On the other hand, tin does not exhibit inert pair effect. So, Sn+4 is stable. Inert pair effect is exhibited by elements with a fully filled d and f orbital, which cannot effectively shield nuclear charge. Hence, Pb +4 Is oxidizing and Sn +2 is reducing.

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