Question

PbCl2 is more stable than PbCl4. Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

PbCl2 is more stable than PbCl4

The inert pair effect is the tendency of the two electrons in the outermost atomic s orbital to remain unionized or unshared in compounds of post-transition metals., out of which (Pb) lead is one. The term inert pair effect is often used in relation to the increasing stability of oxidation states, that are two less than the group valency for the heavier elements of groups 13, 14, 15 and 16.

The s electrons are more tightly bound to the nucleus and therefore more difficult to ionize.

Due to inert pair effect, the higher oxidation state of an element is not stable as we move down the group.

In other words, Pb+4 is less stable than Pb+2, hence PbCl4 is also less stable