Question

The least stable dioxide of group 16 elements is

Answer 1

Answer:

Group 16 elements have ns

2

np

4

electronic configuration.

Hence they would be expected to have a maximum oxidation state of +6 but the heavy elements show a lower oxidation state, i.e., +4.

This is due to inert pair effect due to which s-electrons remain paired and do not participate in bond formation.

This happens because the s-orbitals held close to the nucleus, therefore the electrons present in s-orbitals held strongly by nucleus because of large electrostatic force.