Question

Correct statements regarding halides of group 14 elements:
I. Stability of dihalides: SiX$_2$ > GeX$_2$ > SnX$_2$ > PbX$_2$
II. SnF$_4$, PbF$_4$ are ionic
III. PbI$_4$ does not exist

• A. II, III only
• B. I, III only
• C. I, II only
• D. I, II, III

Hint:

Down the group, the inert pair effect stabilizes lower oxidation states; fluorides of Sn and Pb are ionic due to F's high electronegativity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The inert pair effect makes Pb(IV) less stable, so PbI$_4$ does not exist. Fluorides of Sn and Pb are ionic due to the high electronegativity of F. The trend in statement I does not correctly reflect the effect of inert pair.