Question

which set shows inert pair effect
1) Fe , Co , Ni
2) B, Al,Ga
3) Ge,Sn,Pb
4) He , Ne , Ar

Answer 1

4th pair shows inert pair.....

Answer 2

The set shows inert pair effect is 3) Ge, Sn, Pb.

• The inert pair effect is the inertness of inner s electrons to participate in bonding which decreases the oxidation state by 2.
• Due to the poor shielding effect of d and f electrons, s electrons penetrated and do not participate in bonding.
• Down the group d and f orbitals increase so, the inert pair effect increases.
• In the boron family, the group oxidation state is +3 but Indium and thallium have a +1 stable oxidation state due to the inert pair effect.
• Ge, Sn and Pb belong to the carbon family.
• Ge, Sn and Pb show an inert pair effect and their stable oxidation state is +2 but the group oxidation state is +4.