The stability of dihalides of $\mathrm{Si}, \mathrm{Ge}, \mathrm{Sn}$ and Pb increases steadily in the sequence

(C) $\mathrm{SiX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{GeX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SnX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{PbX}_{2}$

(A) $\mathrm{GeX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SiX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SnX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{PbX}_{2}$

(B) $\mathrm{SiX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{GeX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{PbX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SnX}_{2}$

(D) $\mathrm{PbX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SnX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{GeX}_{2} \ll \mathrm{SiX}_{2}$

JEE Main · 2007 · 29 Apr 2007 · Offline · p-Block Elements

The stability of dihalides of

Si, Ge, Sn

and Pb increases steadily in the sequence

(A) $GeX_{2} ≪ SiX_{2} ≪ SnX_{2} ≪ PbX_{2}$
(B) $SiX_{2} ≪ GeX_{2} ≪ PbX_{2} ≪ SnX_{2}$
(C) $SiX_{2} ≪ GeX_{2} ≪ SnX_{2} ≪ PbX_{2}$ ✓ Correct
(D) $PbX_{2} ≪ SnX_{2} ≪ GeX_{2} ≪ SiX_{2}$

Answer: (C)

Solution

On descending group 14 the inert-pair effect makes the lower

+ 2

state increasingly stable, because the

n s^{2}

pair grows reluctant to take part in bonding. The dihalides accordingly become more stable in the sequence

Si X_{2}

Ge X_{2}

Sn X_{2}

Pb X_{2}

, with the lead(II) halides the most stable of the set.

JEE Main · 2007 · 29 Apr 2007 · Offline · Single correct option

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