99 Percentile Qs Bank for JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)
Among the following oxides, which one is weakly basic and yet a powerful oxidant?
Options
- A( CO ₂ )
- B( SnO ₂ )
- C( SiO ₂ )
- D( PbO ₂ )
Correct answer
D. ( PbO ₂ )
Step-by-step solution
For the dioxides of group- 14 elements ( ( CO ₂, SiO ₂, GeO ₂ . ) and ( . PbO ₂ ), PbO ₂ ) is most basic in nature. Again, in oxidation state ( Pb ) in +4 , which is less ( PbO ₂ ) stable than its +2 state because of inert pair effect. So, ( Pb ⁴⁺ ) of ( PbO ₂ ) has a tendency to be reduced into more stable ( Pb ²⁺ ) (PbO) showing strong oxidising nature of ( PbO ₂ ).