It is because of inability of ns^2 electrons of the valence shell to participate in bonding that

NEET 2017 Chemistry question

It is because of inability of electrons of the valence shell to participate in bonding that

(1) is reducing while is oxidisingCorrect
(2) is oxidising while is reducing
(3) and are both oxidising and reducing
(4) is reducing while is oxidising

Answer: (1)

Solution

Down group 14 the inability of the electrons to take part in bonding (the inert pair effect) increases, so the +2 state becomes more stable than the +4 state for the heavier elements. Thus is more stable than , so is easily reduced to , i.e.

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Question ID VK-092070