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Question
Discuss the pattern of variation in the oxidation states of C to Pb.
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Solution 1
The electronic configuration of group 14 elements is ns2 np2. Therefore, the most common oxidation state exhibited by them should be +4. However, the +2 oxidation state becomes more and more common on moving down the group. C and Si mostly show the +4 state. On moving down the group, the higher oxidation state becomes less stable. This is because of the inert pair effect. Thus, although Ge, Sn, and Pb show both the +2 and + 4 states, the stability of the lower oxidation state increases and that of the higher oxidation state decreases on moving down the group.
| Group 14 element | Oxidation state |
| C | +4 |
| Si | +4 |
| Ge, Sn, Pb | +2, +4 |
Solution 2
The common oxidation states are +4 and +2. Stability of +4 oxidation state decreases from C to Pb. Details can be seen from the text part.
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