JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)
Which of the following compounds of Group 14 elements does not exist?
Options
- AGeCl ₄
- BSnCl ₄
- CPbI ₄
- DPbCl ₄
Correct answer
C. PbI ₄
Step-by-step solution
In Group 14, the stability of the +4 oxidation state decreases down the group due to the inert pair effect, making Pb ⁴⁺ a strong oxidizing agent. The iodide ion ( I ⁻ ) is a strong reducing agent. When Pb ⁴⁺ and I ⁻ are brought together, Pb ⁴⁺ immediately oxidizes I ⁻ to iodine ( I ₂ ) and is itself reduced to the more stable Pb ²⁺ state. Therefore, lead(IV) iodide ( PbI ₄ ) does not exist because of the redox incompatibility between the strongly oxidizing Pb ⁴⁺ cation and the strongly reducing I ⁻ anion. Answer: