Question

Which has most stable +2 oxidation state ?

(a) Sn

(b) Pb

(c) Fe

(d) Ag

Answer 1

Correct option (b) Pb

Explanation:

Pb²⁺ (5d¹⁰6s²) has the most stable +2 oxidation state because here the d-orbital is completely filled and is more stable than Fe²⁺ (3d⁶) Again Ag⁺ (4d¹⁰) is more stable as here again the d-orbital is completely filled and Ag²⁺ is not easily obtained. Pb²⁺ is more stable compared to Sn²⁺ (4d¹⁰5s²) because of its large size.