Question
The stability of dihalides of $$Si,Ge,Sn$$ and $$Pb$$ increases steadily in the sequence
A.
$$Pb{X_2} < Sn{X_2} < Ge{X_2} < Si{X_2}$$
B.
$$Ge{X_2} < Si{X_2} < Sn{X_2} < Pb{X_2}$$
C.
$$Si{X_2} < Ge{X_2} < Pb{X_2} < Sn{X_2}$$
D.
$$Si{X_2} < Ge{X_2} < Sn{X_2} < Pb{X_2}$$
Answer :
$$Si{X_2} < Ge{X_2} < Sn{X_2} < Pb{X_2}$$
Solution :
Due to the inert pair effect ( the reluctance of $$n{s^2}$$ electrons of outermost shell to participate in bonding ) the stability of $${M^{2 + }}$$ ions ( of group 14 elements ) increases as we go down the group.