Question

PbO and PbO2 reacts with HCl according to following chemical equation :- i) 2PbO + 4HCl gives 2 PbCl2 + 2H2O ; ii)PbO2 + 4HCl gives PbCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O ...... Why do these compounds differ in their reactivity?​

Answer 1

Answer:

In reaction (i), O.N. of none of the atoms undergo a change. Therefore, it is not a redox reaction. It is an acid-base reaction, because PbO is a basic oxide which reacts with HCl acid.

The reaction (ii) is a redox reaction in which PbO2 gets reduced and acts as an oxidizing agent